IPL 2021: Mustafizur Rahman set to miss Rajasthan Royals' opening game of the tournament

Going into the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Rajasthan Royals (RR) have already had their fair share of troubles. After Jofra Archer sustained a hand injury and became unlikely for the first four games, as per reports, the Royals won’t be having the services of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman in their opening match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 12.

The left-armer recently played in the ODI and T20I series on New Zealand soil and is scheduled to return to Bangladesh on April 4. Even if he takes the flight to India the very next day, he would have to serve a quarantine period of seven days before he can join the Royals. Hence, it’s confirmed that RR won’t be having both their premier overseas pacers in their opener at the Wankhede Stadium.

Mustafizur Rahman uncertain for the second match as well

Moreover, going by reports in BDcrictime Bangla, the 25-year-old Mustafizur is also uncertain for the Royals’ second game against Delhi Capitals (DC) on April 15 in Mumbai itself. However, he will be in contention for the match if he can serve the quarantine period without any interruption. In the auction, the Royals roped in the Satkhira-born pacer at his base price of INR 1 crore.

Mustafizur made his IPL debut back in 2016 for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) after his stupendous show against India in the ODI series at home. In the T20 league, he became the ‘Emerging Player of the Season’ and on the back of his impressive performance, the Orange Army also won the championship for the first time. Thereafter, the pacer played for the Mumbai Indians (MI).

Going into the upcoming edition, the Royals have their task cut out. After winning the inaugural edition back in 2008, they are yet to lay their hands on the trophy. Last season, they started with two wins on the trot in Sharjah, but lost their way.

In the end, they finished at the bottom of the points table. To make amends, they released Steve Smith, their captain in the last edition, ahead of the auction in February and named Sanju Samson as their new skipper.