Ben Stokes ruled out of IPL with hand injury

The Rajasthan Royals and England allrounder reportedly suffered the blow during the defeat to Punjab Kings

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Ben Stokes is out of the Indian Premier League after suffering a broken finger.

The Rajasthan Royals and England allrounder suffered the blow to his left hand during the defeat to Punjab Kings on Monday (April 12).

Stokes took a low catch to dismiss Chris Gayle during the four-run loss in Mumbai and immediately looked in discomfort.

He was later dismissed for a duck after being caught via a top-edge off Mohammed Shami during the Royals' run-chase.

Rajasthan confirmed the extent of the injury on Tuesday.

A statement read: "Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the IPL following a broken finger in last night's game.

"He will stay with the Royals and support the rest of the group in the upcoming matches."

GREAT CATCH! 💪

Ben Stokes makes amends for his drop earlier with a superb low catch to get rid of Chris Gayle!#PBKS 89-2 #RRvPBKS #IPL2021

📺 Watch 👉 https://t.co/bT0CP9Q8No
📋 Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/0FaUOGWfyL pic.twitter.com/llwif9GoWU

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) April 12, 2021

The ECB are aware of the injury and will take on responsibility for Stokes' rehab following his return from India. Their UK hand specialist consultant will be involved in the assessment.

The news is a further blow to Royals, who are already without Jofra Archer who is nursing hand and elbow problems.

England had also hoped their main players could use the 14th edition of the IPL as another warm-up for the T20 World Cup in India in October and November.

The whole episode comes ahead of a hectic period for the superstar allrounder, with the IPL and the international summer followed by the World Cup and the Ashes series in Australia.

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