Watch: Ben Stokes’ IPL 2021 campaign for Rajasthan Royals come to an end with an injury to his hand, caused by a diving catch to dismiss Punjab Kings’ Chris Gayle on April 12.

Rajasthan Royals confirmed that Stokes, who broke a finger while completing the catch, will stay with the Royals  “and support the rest of the group” over the coming games.

The incident occurred during the thrilling game between the two sides in Mumbai, which ended in a four-run defeat for Rajasthan. Gayle, having raced to 40 off 27 balls, tried to clear the long-on boundary off the bowling of Riyan Parag, but ended up sending the ball down to Stokes on the ropes, who dived in front of him to complete a sharp catch.

Here’s the complete IPL 2021 schedule, along with TV and live streaming details.

The injury didn’t seem to have been caused by any impact off the ground, but by the ball itself – after Stokes had completed the catch, he stood up, but was seen grimacing in pain as his teammates converged around him to celebrate.

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. 💗#RoyalsFamily | @benstokes38 pic.twitter.com/WVUIFmPLMJ

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) April 13, 2021

Soon after, he went back to the dugout to get medical attention but returned to feature in the game, opening the batting in the massive chase, where he fell for a three-ball duck.

According to ECB, Stokes will be assessed over the coming days on the extent of the seriousness of the injury, with ECB medical and UK hand specialist consultant involved.

Here’s the catch:

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