Ben Stokes still doubtful for today's encounter at Pune

The prized possession of the Rising Pune Supergiant, Ben Stokes’ availability for today’s match against the Royal Challengers Bangalore remains under doubt. The fierce-some competitor missed out against the Kolkata Knight Riders in their home ground. The star all-rounder suffered a grade I muscle tear in the shoulder while fielding a couple of games ago.

Stokes’ teammate, another allrounder in the Pune ranks Rajat Bhatia came out and confessed that the management is not hundred percent sure about the physical scenario of the English all-rounder. Bhatia also said that proper assessment is being made by the staff but the final call will be made only before the match.

It was said that Ben Stokes was scheduled to miss out on IPL action for ten days following their match against the Kolkata Knight Riders due to a slight niggle. He played all the seven matches for his franchise in the first part of the tournament to claim six crucial wickets and has scored 127 runs along with a half-century. His electric fielding and agile bowling have earned him a couple of man of the match awards.

“I am sure he (Stokes) must be available but I am not sure about his physical condition. The reason is that definitely the assessment is being taken by the physio and he is going to take the final call. I am sure Stokes must be looking forward to tomorrow’s game but I can’t give you 100 percent assurance,” said Bhatia.

The Delhi all-rounder also highlighted the importance of proper utilisation of their asset in the long tournament without causing damage to the Durham player. “Because as far as the tournament is concerned and the matches which we are supposed to play, we have to look at how many matches he can skip and still remain fit.” said Bhatia, who featured in the first three matches of this season of the IPL.