Premier English all-rounder Ben Stokes suffered an injury while going for a catch in Rajasthan’s first game against Punjab Kings. This injury has ruled out the player from IPL 2021. In this article, we talk about five players whom RR can sign as Ben Stokes replacement.
Although Liam Livingstone is the automatic replacement in the XI for Ben Stokes, RR is likely to announce a replacement for their star player. With Jofra Archer also on the sidelines, there could be very few options for the RR think-tank. Here are five players whom they could target.
1. Devon Conway
Devon Conway has been in the form of his life in recent months. Ever since that T20I series against Australia, the New Zealand cricketer has been one of the best T20 batsmen. He is versatile and is someone who could bat in any position in the batting XI. This is something similar to what Ben Stokes can do. If Rajasthan is focussing on getting cricketers who are in form, they just cannot go past the Kiwi cricketer.
2. Wanindu Hasaranga
Wanindu Hasaranga is a spin-bowling all-rounder who hails from Sri Lanka. With Kumar Sangakkara at Rajasthan, Hasaranga could actually be a realistic replacement. In terms of team balance too, Hasaranga fits the bill. In terms of experienced spinners, RR lies on the back foot. Although the Sri Lankan is also fairly new, he brings international experience to the table. Moreover, he can bat a bit, something that will improve the lower middle-order of the playing XI.
3. Glenn Phillips
Glenn Phillips has been one of the most consistent T20 cricketers for New Zealand in recent years. The 24-year-old is a big-hitting wicket-keeper batsman but has recently showcased his bowling skills as well. He is a complete package and will be an exciting prospect for the RR team. With him in the XI, RR can expect another player like Sanju Samson in the bank.
4. Ish Sodhi
Ish Sodhi is already a part of the backroom staff, and hence, he could be an instant replacement (if he is part of the camp). That aside, too, the Kiwi seems to be a good signing as Ben Stokes replacement. Shreyas Gopal and Rahul Tewatia are too inexperienced and tend to leak runs often. The Kiwi has been at the top of his career for a few years, and he could add variety and stability to the bowling attack.
5. Rassie van der Dussen
The 32-year-old right-hand batsman is one of the best T20 cricketers at the moment. He has been in good form, and could actually do well in the top-order for the Jaipur-based franchise. In the 18 T20 games that he has played so far, Rassie van der Dussen has scored 574 runs at an average of 38.7. This is a decent stat, and moreover, most of his good scores have come recently. Hence, he is a good option.
