Royals dealt a blow as Hodge ruled out of CLT20 final

Rajasthan Royals were dealt a massive blow ahead of their Champions League Twenty20 summit clash as destructive batsman Brad Hodge, who injured his knee in the semi-final, was declared unfit for Sunday’s match.

Hodge had collided with Shane Watson whose head hit Hodge's knee at point during the final over of Chennai Super Kings' chase in the first semifinal match at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur last night.

The Aussie had to go off the field, and scans were performed on his knee, of which result is awaited.

Rajasthan Royals coach Paddy Upton told ESPNcricinfo about Hodge, who has been sensational for them as a finisher.

The 38-year-old has scored 109 runs in three innings, including two not-outs at a strike rate of 198.

His unbeaten 52 off 23 balls against Otago Volts was instrumental in Royals securing a home semi-final, which they won by 14 runs.

Image: Brad Haddin

Photograph: BCCI