Ben Stokes to join Rajasthan Royals in UAE in the first week of October

One of the key players in the Rajasthan Royals’ franchise, Ben Stokes is currently in New Zealand to look after his ailing father. The English all-rounder hasn’t played cricket for a while now. He left Pakistan series mid-way to leave for New Zealand. He didn’t participate in the last two tests against Pakistan. Stokes also made himself unavailable in the Australia series which followed thereafter.

Earlier, reports had suggested that Ben Stokes might miss the first half of the IPL. However, Sportzcraazy understands that he will reach in UAE in the first week of October. Stokes will undergo a mandatory six-day quarantine period and should come out with two negative tests afterwards to join the bio-bubble. Ben Stokes is likely to represent the franchise in the second week itself.

Rajasthan Royals have made a fine start to the tournament, having won their first match against Chennai Super Kings by 16 runs. Sanju Samson played a gem of an innings as he scored 74 runs off 32 balls, including one four and nine sixes. Steve Smith anchored the inning, scoring 69 off 47 balls. Rajasthan Royals posted 216 runs in 20 overs. Chennai Super Kings, in reply, managed to score 200 in the second innings and thereby handed 16-run victory to Smith and Co.

Jos Buttler didn’t play the first game for Rajasthan due to extended quarantine protocols. He is all set to play the second game against Kings Eleven Punjab on Sunday. Jos Buttler’s inclusion means, either Tom Curran or David Miller has to make way for Buttler in the second match.