IPL 2018: One player each IPL team cannot afford to lose through injury

Rajasthan Royals - Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes ended as the costliest buy of the auction for Rs. 12.5 Crores. The southpaw's ability to strike the ball cleanly and bowl in pressure situations has been phenomenal. He has picked up 12 wickets in his 12 IPL matches and has a majestic strike rate of 143. Stokes is coming off a lean season filled with sanctions and injuries. He would be rearing to go for Rajasthan and prove he is worth the big bucks.

In Stokes absence, there can be a like-to-like replacement in the form of Jofra Archer who has had an outstanding run in the Big Bash League. But this would be his first season in the IPL and in Indian conditions. Stokes, who has already understood the pressure of the IPL and the plight of Indian conditions, will be crucial for Rajasthan.