IPL 2021: Ben Stokes ruled out of tournament with broken hand – Reports

England all-rounder and the star player of Rajasthan Royals, Ben Stokes has been ruled out of IPL 2021 with a suspected broken hand, according to a report in the Independent. Stokes injured his hand while taking the catch of Chris Gayle in RR’s first game against Punjab Kings on Monday.

Ben Stokes ruled out of IPL with broken hand https://t.co/CIN7OFIBe7

— The Independent (@Independent) April 13, 2021

Stokes had earlier shelled KL Rahul in the deep. He then ran in from long-on to dismiss Chris Gayle and took a low catch off Riyan Parag’s bowling. He delivered one over in the game and was out for a duck in the chase as RR lost by four runs.

Rajasthan are already missing the services of the injured Jofra Archer for the initial part of the tournament. Archer is currently recovering from his hand injury and is back at the nets.

According to the Independent, Stokes will stay in India and have an x-ray on Thursday. The all-rounder was being used as an opener, a role which is now likely to fulfilled by Jos Buttler.