Ben Stokes set to join Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2020
Talismanic England all-rounder Ben Stokes, who had to fly back to Christchurch mid-way through the Test series against Pakistan to attend to his ailing father, missing out on the remaining matches of the English summer in the process, and being in doubt for the IPL as well, will be flying to Dubai to join his franchise, the Rajasthan Royals.
Stokes will have to undergo a six-day quarantine before he can be included in the Royals’ camp and be available for selection. He posted a picture with his family this morning with the caption, “Goodbye’s never get easier’, which was the first bit of confirmation of Stokes travelling to the UAE.
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An hour ago, the Rajasthan Royals’ Twitter account provided further confirmations by posting the following Tweets:
Hi guys, quick question. How long does it take from Christchurch to UAE?
#HallaBol
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) October 3, 2020
Stoked.
#HallaBol | #RoyalsFamily | @benstokes38 pic.twitter.com/pcAvyIcaaF
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) October 3, 2020
Stokes had been training for his return to competitive cricket during his stay at Christchurch by training with Sydenham Cricket Club, the first Cricket club he played at back in New Zealand. “Been great being in Christchurch where it all began,” he said in another Instagram post. “Thanks to Sydenham Cricket for letting me use their facilities to bowl in.”
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Stokes’ arrival will heavily bolster a slightly shaky RR middle order that is currently struggling for consistency. With Steven Smith and Jos Buttler opening the batting, the Royals have had to rely on the relative inexperience of Riyan Parag and Rahul Tewatia in the lower middle order, along with the out-of-form Robin Uthappa.