IPL 2020: Ben Stokes leaves for UAE, set to join Rajasthan Royals after a 7-day isolation

Rajasthan Royals (RR), led by Steve Smith, have started off their IPL 2020 campaign on an impressive note. In their opening three games, they’ve registered two victories and a defeat, and are currently sitting fifth on the points table with 4 points.

The Royals side, at present, is equipped with some of the finest overseas recruits. They’re stacked with the likes of skipper Smith, Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, David Miller and Tom Curran. To further bolster their overseas camp, star all-rounder Ben Stokes, following a period of compassionate leave in New Zealand, is also set to join the Rajasthan Royals contingent.

Stokes, arguably the best modern-day all-rounder, was spending time in Christchurch with his family and in particular his father Ged who is battling brain cancer. Stokes was deemed to miss the initial phase of the IPL but he is now set to return to the cash-rich league. Stokes’ last on-field appearance was during the Pakistan series when he left it mid-way and flew back home.

Ben Stokes was bought by RR for a whopping INR 12.5 crore

Stokes has left for the UAE and he’ll join his Royals teammates after serving seven days of isolation. “Goodbyes never get any easier,” he said as quoted by the Mirror. The all-rounder’s return will be a big boost for the Royals side. Despite winning two games so far, their middle-order has looked flawed and the England international’s return will certainly help to ease the franchise’s pain. Stokes, a vital part of RR’s set-up, was snapped up by the franchise in 2018 for a hefty sum of INR 12.5 crore.

Stokes is targeting the fixture against Delhi Capitals (DC) on October 14 to be his first match of this year’s IPL, giving him seven games to play before RR potentially book a Playoffs berth. The left-hander was recently also spotted training at Sydenham Cricket Club, the first cricket club he played at back in New Zealand. He had even shared a video while bowling in the nets.

Recently, RR mentor Shane Warne had also hoped for Stokes’ return in order to strengthen their side’s line-up. “Hopefully, Ben Stokes would play a part this year, he’s a big loss and our thoughts are with him, but you know, add Ben to the team that played the other night and it looks a very very good side,” Warne had said.