Rajasthan Royals all-rounder Ben Stokes was ruled out of the IPL after injuring his left index finger in Royals opening match against Punjab Kings. he took a good catch later in the game but was subsequently ruled out of the season. The Royals are already missing Jofra Archer who is recovering from his elbow injury. Stokes’ absence comes as another big blow to the Royals.

The ECB has said in a statement that the all-rounder will travel back to Leeds on Monday after which he will undergo a surgery. The board further said that he is out of action for 12 weeks. Stokes’ replacement is yet to be confirmed by the Royals.

Ben Stokes will be out for up to 12 weeks: ECB

“England all-rounder Ben Stokes will be out for up to 12 weeks after a repeat X-ray and CT scan on Thursday revealed that he has a fracture of his left index finger. Stokes, who is currently in India with Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League, will fly home tomorrow. He will have surgery in Leeds on Monday,” ECB confirmed in a statement.

Meanwhile, the Royals won tight contest against Delhi Capitals in their second game in Mumbai. Chasing 148 to win, Chris MOrris played a cameo of 36 off 18 balls to take them over the line. He was ably supported by David Miller (62) after the Royals were reduced to 42 for 5 in the 10th over.

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Earlier in the game, Jaydev Unadkat took 3 for 15 to limit the Capitals under 150. Mustafizur Rahman also took for 29 and left the batsmen confused with his cutters in the process. All the teams barring CSK and SRH have at least one win in their belt after the first couple of games in the IPL. Chennai Super Kings plays Punjab Kings in their second game later tonight in Mumbai.

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