Rajasthan Royals (RR) will receive a huge blow, as their star players Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes have already returned to their country to resume their national duty.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan are in a critical position after losing their last match against the Kolkata Knight Riders. Apart from winning their previous game, they will have to look out other team’s result to get a place in the playoffs.
However, with inform Buttler missing, it will be a tough job for the Royals. The English wicket-keeper batsman has been stunning in the second half of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He single-handedly brought the Royals to the playoff contention.
Buttler shifted gears when was sent to open the innings against Delhi Daredevils. He registered his first fifty of the tournament, as Rajasthan started winning matches. He scored five fifties in a row at the start of the innings, as Rajasthan forced their way back into the league. Buttler notched 548 runs from 13 matches with a staggering average of 54.18.
On the other hand, Stokes failed to justify his price tag. Rajasthan roped the English all-rounder for a whopping amount at the auctions early this year. He had witnessed a downfall in his performance since the Bristol incident.
Stokes has amassed 198 runs and bagged eight wickets in the 13 matches he played. Although he was not among the star performers but was a vital cog in the line-up.
Also, Stokes has the capability of winning matches single-handedly with both bat and ball.
Who will replace Buttler and Stokes?
Although Rajasthan doesn’t have a like to like replacement, they will look for the best combination possible. They are likely to slot in Australia’s star batsman D’Arcy Short and Ben Laughlin in the playing XI.
Both Short and Laughlin had represented Rajasthan in the initial stages of the tournament. However, they are yet to make a mark.
Rajasthan had high hopes on Short. However, he had failed to replicate his form from the Big Bash League. Laughlin, on the hand, had to make way for Jofra Archer, who has made his presence felt right from the start.
The Australian seamer managed to pick only five wickets from his five outings. However, he needs to keep a check on his economy rate which was on the higher side.
The Royals will badly want both these cricketers to be on their pick form and perform in the last league game against Royal Challengers Bangalore on May 19 at Jaipur.
Also Read: Mumbai Indians Players’ Rating