"Quality Player": Steve Smith On Ben Stokes Set To Join Rajasthan Royals Squad

Premier England all-rounder Ben Stokes has flown from Christchurch in New Zealand and set to join the Rajasthan Royals squad for the rest of the IPL 2020 later today. It will be an added boost to the Rajasthan Royals squad which has looked weak in their batting approach in the last few matches.

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 mid-way during the Pakistan series. On his arrival to UAE, Stokes will remain in mandatory quarantine period for at least six days before being available to play.

Ben Stokes is a quality player, will add to our squad: Steve Smith

Rajasthan Royals captain Steve Smith said that it is great that Stokes is set to join the squad. He also added that Smith is a quality player and he has recently gone through tough time. The former Australia captain also mentioned that with Stokes returning to the side, it will add to the strength of Rajasthan Royals.

“Yeah it’s nice. He is a quality player. Our thoughts are being with him, he is gone through a pretty tough time. He certainly adds to our squad when he gets here,” Smith said.

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.

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.