English blow to Rajasthan Royals after KKR loss

However, he was the most impressive for Royals, last night against KKR, picking up three for 15. The absence of Buttler and Stokes can become a huge factor if Rajasthan do manage to qualify for the play-offs .

He scored just 185 runs from 12 games so far and has just picked up 5 wickets with an economy of 8.72.

Stokes attracted the highest bid for successive years (12.5 crores) in the IPL but failed to live up to the expectations.

While Buttler going back in the middle of IPL came as major shock to Rajasthan, the other Englishman, Ben Stokes’ exit was an expected one.

Their most prolific overseas player, Jos Buttler, who had scored four consecutive half-centuries batting at the top of the order was named in England Test squad and therefore will have to head back home on Wednesday.

Buttler got a surprise Test call-up in the expense of James Vince for the two-match Test series against Pakistan slated to begin from May 24.

Both Stokes and Buttler will leave for England on Wedensday, a day after their defeat to KKR.

The Royals wasted a strong start after being caught in the web of left-arm chinaman spinner Kuldeep Yadav.

At this stage, the Rajasthan based franchise has to deal with two absentees.

Royals are now stuck on 12 points from 13 matches and will have to win their last match handsomely and expect a little help from other teams to qualify for the play-offs.

Rajasthan Royals’ bid to qualify for the play-offs took heavy beating from Kolkata Knight Riders after the latter beat them by six wickets on Tuesday.

From being 63 for no loss in five overs, the Royals were bowled out for 142 in 19 overs. In reply, the KKR middle order showed exactly how to chase a target led by captain Dinesh Karthik (41*).