IPL 2021: From Ben Stokes to Shubman Gill, 7 cricketers who are in race to get fit for second leg of tournament: The cricketing action for IPL 2021 Phase 2 will resume in almost a month’s time. Ahead of the same, the franchisees along with their players are gearing up to reach the UAE and start their camps. However, injury concerns continue to haunt franchisees as some of their players are nursing their injuries. The likes of Ben Stokes, Shubman Gill, Steve Smith, Faf du Plessis, Jofra Archer, Avesh Khan and Washington Sundar would be rehabilitating well to recover quickly from their injuries and emerge optimally fit to play the remainder of the tournament.
Here are 7 cricketers who would be aiming complete fitness from their injuries and join their respective franchises ahead of Phase 2 of the tournament.
Ben Stokes
Rajasthan Royals missed the services of the star all-rounder even in the Phase 1 as he received a fracture on his index finger in the opening game for RR. While his finger would have been completely fine, woes continue to cripple Ben Stokes as he has taken a sabbatical from cricket due to mental health. Though he had announced indefinite break from all cricket formats, fans would be vying to see him in action for RR.
Shubman Gill
Kolkata Knight Riders batting mainstay Shubman Gill has been suffering with a stress fracture in his shin (leg). Suffered an injury during June-July, Gill was to miss the cricketing action for the next two moths. In all likeliness, he should feature in the remaining matches for KKR in in Phase 2 of the tournament.
Washington Sundar
Royal Challengers Bangalore’s star all-rounder Washington Sundar fractured his finger during the warm up match in England following which he was unavailable for the Test series against the Three Lions. With quite some time to nursing his injury, he would be eyeing his comeback for RCB where his performance would also be viewed for the upcoming T20 World Cup stage.
Steve Smith
The prolific batsman, Smith played for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2021. Smith, who is currently battling with injury to his elbow earlier, mentioned not risking playing IPL in Phase 2. Smith, who is aiming to optimally return cricketing action straight in the Ashes series against England.
Avesh Khan
Delhi Capitals seam bowler Avesh Khan sustained a left-thumb fracture during India’s warm up match against County XI in England. Not just him, but even the franchisee would be serving best to DC’s fast bowler in nursing his injury. Khan was instrumental for the side in Phase 1 as he picked up 14 wickets in seven games for his side.
Faf du Plessis
Chennai Super Kings leading run scorer Faf du Plessis’s fitness is an area of concern for them. Du Plessis who will join the CSK squad at a later stage as per the schedule withdrew from The Hundred on Friday following a concussion bout. No doubt, the franchisee would lend the best recovery hands forward to see du Plessis back in cricketing action.
Jofra Archer
Much DC’s Steve Smith, Jofra Archer has been ruled out of cricketing commitments for the longest period of time till the year. Archer, who missed the Phase 1 of the IPL 2021 following the elbow injury continues to suffer with the same. Infact, the woes have worsened in this regard. While the England player would be vying to don the pink jersey but injury concerns might just distance him from doing so.
IPL 2021: From Ben Stokes to Shubman Gill, 7 cricketers who are in race to get fit for second leg of tournament
For all updates on cricket and other sports, follow insidesport.co
Editors pick
