IPL 2018: Rajasthan Royals overseas pacer ruled out of the first three weeks

Rajasthan Royals started their IPL 2018 campaign with a brutal defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad. There was no competition from the Rahane side, which propelled SRH to start the season with a resounding victory. However, RR has been hit with another big blow with their star overseas player’s injury.

Sri Lankan pacer Dushmantha Chameera, who was bought by RR for 50 Lakh in the auction has been suffering from the back problem. He will miss the IPL action for at least three weeks and he’s also in doubt for Sri Lanka’s Test tour of the West Indies in June. However, RR is yet to announce his replacement.

RR is currently awaiting Jofra Archer’s arrival as he’s suffering from the side strain he sustained during the recently concluded Pakistan Super League. Archer is likely to join the team soon, which will help RR’s chances of doing well in the tournament.

Started the season with a blow

RR was hit by a massive ahead of the season when the Cricket Australia banned Steve Smith for one year. They were quick to announce the replacement in South African wicketkeeper-batsman Heinrich Klaasen. However, he’s yet to get a chance in the playing XI. Sanju Samson is the formidable gloveman for the side.

Speaking about Chameera’s back problem, SLC chief selector Graeme Labrooy said to ESPN Cricinfo, “He has had some back stiffness, so we expect it to be three more weeks at least before he can return to bowling. We’ll reassess after that and see where he is.”

If Chameera finds it tough to make it to the West Indies tour, Sri Lanka will be facing a big blow as their other pace bowlers Nuwan Pradeep and Shehan Madushanka are currently injuries bound. The first of the three-match Test series starts from June 6.

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