Rajasthan Royals have roped in South Africa's Rassie Van Der Dussen as a replacement for their all-rounder Ben Stokes. Stokes was ruled out of this year's IPL after he fractured his left index finger.
The injury occurred while Stokes was fielding during Royals' opening match against Punjab Kings on Monday when he completed a catch in the deep to see off Punjab Kings batsman Chris Gayle.
Meanwhile, Van Der Dussen has an excellent record in T20I cricket. He has featured in 20 matches for the South African side and has scored 628 runs at an impressive average of 41.87. Hit by foreign pull-outs, the Rajashthan outfit was left with just four overseas players -- Jos Buttler, Chris Morris, Mustafizur Rahman, and David Miller -- in their camp.
Stokes and Jofra Archer were out of the IPL due to injuries while Liam Livingstone went back home citing bubble fatigue. The franchise received another blow in the form of Andrew Tye, who also headed home, citing fear due to the surge of COVID-19 cases in India.
Royals are currently seventh in the league standings with two wins from five games.
