English all-rounder Ben Stokes is undoubtedly one of the prominent cricketers in modern-day sport. Being a top all-rounder across formats, he was rewarded with a contract in the Indian Premier League, as former champion Rajasthan Royals roped him in.However, during the opening game of IPL 2021, Stokes suffered a broken finger, thus ruling him out of the competition. As a result, RR would now be looking for his suitable replacement.While numerous top talents could be in the fray, only one would have the chance. It could be either an Indian or overseas, as we analyse five possible replacement for Stokes.
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Corey AndersonThe former New Zealand all-rounder is known for his fine batting abilities, as he smashed the fastest One-Day International century in just 36 balls. He played for three sides in the IPL and has an average performance, scoring 538 runs in 50 games at an average of 24.4. With RR lacking some firepower in the batting, Anderson could really come in handy.
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Rassie van der DussenThe South African batsman is rated as one of the best Twenty20 cricketers at the moment. While he is yet to make his IPL debut, his T20 stats are impressive, having scored 3,772 runs in 119 innings at an average of 38.48, which includes three tons and 25 half-centuries. In 19 T20Is, he has 576 runs at 41.1. Why is he unsold in the first place?
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Alex HalesThe English opener might be struggling to find a spot in the English line-up. But, he is indeed one of the openers who could give a flying start to the side. He has managed to play just six IPL games to date but has an average stat of scoring 148 at 24.7. In T20s overall, he has scored 8,066 in 287 innings at 30.20. RR must keep him shortlisted.
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Glenn PhillipsThe 24-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman from New Zealand is reliable in the format and is rated as one of the promising Kiwi sensations. Besides his batting and wicketkeeping skills, he can even bowl when needed. Although he is yet to make his IPL debut, he has excellent T20 figures, having scored 3,030 in 108 innings at 30.91. RR cannot afford to brush him aside.
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Martin GuptillAnother Kiwi batsman and a veteran who hardly needs any introduction, Guptill can strike the ball to perfection. New Zealand's only One-Day International double centurion can give the right start to RR as an opener. While his IPL numbers are below par, he is a decent T20 cricketer overall, having scored 7,757 in 262 innings at 32.45, including four tons and 48 half-centuries. What are you thinking, RR?
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