IPL 2021: Evin Lewis & Oshane Thomas Roped In By Rajasthan Royals As Jos Buttler And Ben Stokes’ Replacements

Rajasthan Royals will kickstart their journey in the 2nd leg of IPL 2021 with the match against Punjab Kings.

Rajasthan Royals, on Tuesday roped in West Indies star Evin Lewis and Oshane Thomas as replacements of Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler, who will be unavailable for the remaining phase of the IPL 2021. 

Evin Lewis has so far played 45 T20Is for West Indies and has accumulated 1318 runs at an average of 31.38 and SR of 158.03 including two centuries and 9 half-centuries. 

Oshane Thomas, on the other hand, has played 17 T20Is for West Indies, picking 19 wickets at an economy of 9.16 and an average of 26.53. 

Currently, both the players are playing Caribbean Premier League 2021. While Evin Lewis is playing for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, Oshane Thomas is providing his bowling services to Barbados Royals. 

Evis Lewis has been impressive in the ongoing tournament, having smashed 98 runs in three matches so far at an average of 32.66 and strike rate of 130.66. Lewis is currently the seventh highest run getter in the tournament. 

Oshane Thomas, on the other hand, has picked up 4 wickets in 3 three matches at an economy of 5.83 and an average of 17.50. 

Ben Stokes And Jos Buttler Ruled Out Of Remaining IPL 2021

England wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler will miss the second leg of the Indian Premier League as he and his wife are expecting their second child in September while Ben Stokes has taken a break from cricket to prioritize his mental health. 

The Royals will also be without the service of star England pacer Jofra Archer, who has been ruled out for the rest of the year due to a recurrence of a stress fracture of his right elbow. 

“The franchise wishes Jofra Archer good health and a swift recovery,” the franchise said in a statement.