IPL 2020: Rajasthan Royals' Ben Stokes resumes training in Christchurch

England star all-rounder Ben Stokes left the Test series against Pakistan midway to return and attend his ailing father. His father Ged was diagnosed with brain cancer, and the all-rounder flew back immediately to his home in New Zealand. He recently shared a video, bowling in the nets, and can be seen nostalgic as he began his cricketing journey from New Zealand’s Christchurch only.

The star of the 2019 World Cup was seen bowling on accurate line and length, and the ball hit the stumps directly as the batsman was unable to read it. Stokes, who has been the backbone of England cricket for all this while, achieved the feat on becoming no1 Test all-rounder during the series with West Indies this year.

He posted the video and captioned it– “Been great being in Christchurch we’re it all began for me. Thanks to @sydenhamcricket for letting me use their facilities to bowl in..unlucky today @nick.smithson.7”

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Been great being in Christchurch we’re it all began for me..thanks to @sydenhamcricket for letting me use their facilities to bowl in..unlucky today @nick.smithson.7 😂😂

A post shared by Ben Stokes (@stokesy) on Sep 17, 2020 at 10:09pm PDT

Ben Stokes expected to miss the first half of IPL 2020

As soon as Stokes landed in New Zealand after leaving the shores of Southampton, he had to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine before he could see his sick father. As per the reports, Stokes, who is a key player of Rajasthan Royals, will miss the first half of the tournament slated to commence September 19.

While there are a lot of uncertainties hovering over all-rounder’s availability, the head coach of Rajasthan, Andrew McDonald that they are ready to give their star “as much time as he needs” to settle back.

McDonald was clear in extending his full support to the English player and says, let’s see how things pan out. Having said all of this, Ben Stokes’s availability becomes too crucial for the Rajasthan franchise as it is largely dependent on some of its overseas players. The cash-rich, which is slated to commence tomorrow, will see Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians put up a splendid show in the season opener.

The IPL journey for Royals’ will commence on September 22, where they will face three-time champions Chennai Super Kings. The extravaganza will last for 53 days, and the finals will take place on November 10.