Ben Stokes is in all probability going to miss the first half of IPL 2020. As the reports suggest, due to personal reasons Stokes is still with his family and hence Rajasthan Royals will be without this English all-rounder for a certain time initially. Keep reading to find out the reason why Ben Stokes is not playing against Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2020.
Here is why Ben Stokes not playing today against CSK
Rajasthan Royals are heavily dependant on three Englishmen. Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer. Although Archer is playing their opening match against Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals are without their two best overseas players. Ben Stokes who is almost a sure starter for Rajasthan Royals, has been out of action for a while for his father’s illness. He is in New Zealand with his family. Reportely he will be missing the first few IPL 2020 matches and then will serve quarantine before joining the squad.
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If Stokes could join in the second half and Rajasthan Royals manage to be in the race till then, Stokes’ inclusion will be a great boost for the side. He will then have to share the responsibility of taking the side to the play-offs along with other overseas colleagues of the side. The overseas bunch of Rajasthan Royals has been their core strength for long. The side alongside has been famous for nurturing Indian domestic talents.
Royals wait for Stokes anxiously
Rajasthan Royals opened their campaign against Chennai Super Kings on a decent note. Absence of Stokes and Buttler opened vacancies for debutant like Yashasvi Jaiswal. Although Jaiswal failed to make his IPL debut a memorable one and Robin Uthappa, the IPL veteran failed to live up to his old IPL reputation. Steve Smith, the captain held one side whereas Sanju Samson played a fine knock of 32-ball 74. But rest of the middle order failed to contribute at all. This clearly shows why Rajasthan Royals need Ben Stokes badly.
Rajasthan Royals today opted for Steve Smith, David Miller, Tom Curran, and Jofra Archer as their four overseas players.
