Injured Ben Stokes ruled out of IPL 2021, confirms Rajasthan Royals

Mumbai:England all-rounder Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the Indian Premier League 2021 after sustaining a finger fracture during Rajasthan Royals' opening game against Punjab Kings, the franchise confirmed on Tuesday.

Stokes will, however, remain in India for a week before flying back to United Kingdom.

''Rajasthan Royals all-rounder Ben Stokes injured a finger on his left hand while fielding during the team's match against Punjab Kings on 12 April 2021 in Mumbai,'' Royals said in a statement.

''Subsequent investigations revealed that he sustained a broken finger, which will unfortunately rule him out of the remainder of IPL 2021 season,'' it added.Stokes injured his finger while taking a catch to dismiss Punjab batsman Chris Gayle and left the field to get treatment. He bowled just one over before the blow to his finger, giving away 12 runs.

This is another blow for the Royals after they missed the services of Jofra Archer due to a hand surgery.Rajasthan, led by India's Sanju Samson, will next play Delhi Capitals in Mumbai on Thursday.(UNI)