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Xtra Time Web Desk: In what comes as a huge blow for Rajasthan Royals, England star all rounder Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the rest of the Indian Premier League with a broken finger. Stokes sustained the injury during Rajasthan Royals’ opening match with Punjab Kings on Monday when taking a catch to dismiss Chris Gayle.

The franchise in an official statement said:

Rajasthan Royals all-rounder Ben Stokes injured a finger on his left hand while fielding during the team's match against Punjab Kings on 12 April 2021 in Mumbai. Subsequent investigations revealed that he sustained a broken finger, which will unfortunately rule him out of the remainder of the Indian Premier League 2021 season.

Everyone at Rajasthan Royals absolutely admires Ben for being such a huge asset and a valuable member of the Royals family, both on and off the field, and wishes him a speedy recovery. We are delighted that Ben would like to stay with the group to provide his valued support and inputs off the field. In the meantime, we will be reviewing potential replacement options for the remainder of the season.

With Jofra Archer yet to resume training and now Stokes too getting injured, it is worrying signs for the Rajasthan franchise early in IPL 2021 seaso.