IPL 2020: Ben Stokes Set To Join Rajasthan Royals Squad

Premier England all-rounder Ben Stokes is set to join the Rajasthan Royals squad for the IPL 2020 as he departed from Christchurch in New Zealand. Stokes missed out on the initial matches in the IPL 2020 as he went on a compassionate leave to meet his family back in New Zealand.

Stokes’ addition to the Rajasthan Royals line-up will add boost to side. The Jaipur franchise heavily bank on their overseas players which includes the likes of Jos Buttler, Steve Smith and Jofra Archer. The franchise has won two out of their three matches in the IPL 2020, in absence of Stokes, and are currently seated at the fifth spot in the points table.

According to a report in mirror.co.uk, Stokes has left for the UAE today saying: “Goodbyes never get any easier” and will join up with his Rajasthan Royals team-mates next week following seven days of isolation, required due to Covid 19.

Stokes is expected to return to cricket on October 14 during his team’s match against Delhi Capitals. His national teammates Buttler, Archer and Tom Curran have all featured for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2020 thus far.

Stokes had made himself unavailable as he went on leave during the Test series against Pakistan. As he made himself unavailable for the remainder of the series due to family reasons, England have replaced the all-rounder with fast bowler Ollie Robinson.

IPL 2020 will be played entirely in UAE due to the pandemic situation forcing the cricket board to host the tournament away from India. The latter stage of the tournament might see at least 30 per cent of crowd being allowed to the stadiums. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah will be the three venues used for the tournament. Dream 11 have been named as the sponsor for the upcoming season of the tournament after VIVO pulled out