Sharjah: It will not be easy for Rajasthan Royals (RR) team to hit Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their first encounter.  Because the team will not get the services of star all-rounder Ben Stokes from the beginning, the team will certainly be encouraged before Tuesday's Indian Premier League match due to captain Steve Smith's recovery from the concussion (fainting situation due to head injury).

Stokes' absence will affect the Royals' campaign in the tournament at least in the first innings, but Smith's presence in playing eleven means the team will not get defeated easily. Smith was hurt in the head during the net session on the England tour, due to which he wasn't allowed to play further matches in the ODI series. Now, according to the rules, he has passed the concussion test and is fully fit to play.

In a statement issued by the franchise, Smith said, "I have been in Dubai for a few days. I relaxed and did the running. Yesterday I ran fast to the right-left, which was included in the rules for returning to the field, and today I practised batting in the net. I hope I've recovered from the injury and am ready to play tomorrow." Coach Andrew McDonald also expressed happiness over the captain's availability.

Djokovic completes 286th as number one player

Manchester City beat Wolves in Premiere League

Italian Serie A: Zlatan Ibrahimovic scores twice as AC Milan win first match