"Had a muscular injury..."- Wasim Jaffer gives an important update on Bhanuka Rajapaksa's injury

The 8th game in the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League saw a high-scoring thriller between Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Both teams scored nearly 200 with a nail-biting finish.

RR won the toss and elected to bat first. But that decision didn't go well, with both PBKS openers adding 90 runs for the first wicket in just 9.4 overs. Prabhsimran showed great intent and smashed a quick half-century. He got dismissed after scoring 60 off just 34 balls, with three sixes and seven boundaries.

His wicket brought Bhanuka Rajapaksa to the crease. But the left-hander suffered an unexpected injury when a ball smashed by Shikhar Dhawan hit Rajapaksa on his right arm. The southpaw was seen in extreme pain and couldn't continue. As a result, he walked out of the field in pain.

Notably, Jonny Bairstow has already been ruled out of the IPL 2023 due to injury, and Liam Livingstone hasn't joined the squad, so it is not clear when he will be available. Thus, if Rajapaksa sustains an injury at this moment, that can hurt PBKS a lot in their journey to the playoffs.

However, PBKS batting coach Wasim Jaffer provided an update on Rajapaksa's injury. During the post-match presentation, Jaffer said that until now, there is nothing clear, but the left-hander sustained a muscular injury. Jaffer said, "He had a muscular injury. Hopefully he should be alright by the next game."

The batting coach also gave an update on the availability of Kagiso Rabada and Livingstone. He said, "Rabada probably will be available, probably not Livingstone…I’m not too sure about it."

Speaking of the game, PBKS scored 197/4 in the first inning. Dhawan remained unbeaten on 86 off 56, with nine boundaries and three sixes. Chasing the target, RR made 192/7 and lost by seven runs.