Reports | Ben Stokes ruled out of IPL 2021 with suspected broken hand
Rajasthan Royalsâ Ben Stokes, who had a forgettable outing in the sideâs encounter versus Punjab Kings, has reportedly been ruled out of IPL 2021 with a âsuspected broken handâ. Stokes, fielding in the first innings, injured his hand and spent time off the field after taking an outfield catch.
In what could be potentially be a telling blow to Rajasthan Royalsâ title hopes, reports have emerged that Ben Stokes could be ruled out of the rest of the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) owing to a âsuspected broken handâ. Stokes, who featured in every single game for England in the tour of India, played in Rajasthan Royalsâ first game versus Punjab Kings on Monday and looked to have damaged his hand whilst taking a catch. Fielding at long-on, the all-rounder took a low outfield catch in the 10th over to dismiss Chris Gayle, but went down in pain immediately. He then spent significant time off the field, before returning to bat and registering a three-ball duck.Â
The Royals, on Monday, gave no update about Stokesâ condition, but âThe Independentâ has now reported that the all-rounder has been ruled out of the rest of IPL 2021 with a âsuspected broken handâ.
âBen Stokes is out of the Indian Premier League with what is suspected to be a broken hand. The Independent understands Stokes will remain out in India for a week. Dialogue has already begun between the ECB and Royals around managing the injury. He will have an X-Ray in India on Thursday to determine how much damage has been done before the ECB take over the planning of the recovery,â the report from The Independent stated.
âDepending on the severity of the injury, the toll on England may be manageable. The ECB had ceded ground to the IPL by allowing players involved in the competitionâs knock-out stages to miss the Test series against New Zealand at the start of the summer.â
Stokesâ injury could completely derail the Royalsâ IPL 2021 campaign as the franchise is already sweating on the fitness of Jofra Archer, who is currently recovering from an elbow injury.Â