2008 IPL champions Rajasthan Royals are likely to miss their premier all-rounder Ben Stokes during the first part of the T20 event as the World Cup-winner is currently in New Zealand to be with his ailing father Ged. Ben Stokes left for Christchurch in the middle of the Test series against Pakistan last month to be with his family.“As per quarantine rules in New Zealand, Ben has just completed his 14-day isolation period after reaching New Zealand. Now he will be meeting his father and obviously he would like to spend some quiet time with his family in this time of crisis.”
“It is only logical that if he has just completed his quarantine, he would not be available for the first part of the IPL and that is completely understandable. The franchise will not even call Ben as this is not priority at the moment. Let him spend quality family time and any discussions on his availability can happen only after that,” the source added. The report further stated that the Rajasthan Royals will “wait” for Ben Stokes’ call before taking the next step. The franchise will take things forward only if the allrounder confirms his availability.
Ben Stokes has been playing for the inaugural IPL winners since 2018. After starring for now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiant’s run to the final in 2017, he was signed up by the Royals for 12.5 crore. The 29-year-old has played 67 Tests, 95 ODIs and 26 T20 Internationals. He had a major role in England's World Cup triumph besides an epic match-winning hundred in an Ashes Test match in 2019. The thirteenth edition of the tournament is scheduled to get underway on September 19 while Rajasthan Royals will open their account on September 22 against Chennai Super Kings.
