In a huge blow to Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) remaining IPL 2021 campaign, ace all-rounder Ben Stokes is out of the T20 tournament with what is suspected to be a broken hand.

According to a report published in The Independent, Stokes sustained the injury during RR’s opening game against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Monday (April 12) while taking a catch to get rid of Chris Gayle.

Stokes ran in from long on and dived forward to complete the grab. He immediately felt discomfort in his left hand and it was visible in his expression as he got up to celebrate with Rajasthan teammates.

Despite the discomfort, Stokes remained in action for the remaining match but didn’t add to the one over he bowled before the incident. Chasing the target, he opened the batting for RR and recorded a three-ball duck.

The report further claims that Ben Stokes will stay put in India for a week. In order to manage the injury, dialogue has already begun between the ECB and the Rajasthan Royals franchise.

The all-rounder will reportedly have an X-Ray in India on Thursday (April 15) to determine the extent of injury. Subsequently, the ECB will figure out the course of action.