Smith, Mascarenhas ruled out of IPL

New Delhi, March 17 (IANS) Rajasthan Royals suffered a huge setback as two of its overseas players Graeme Smith and Dmitri Mascarenhas were ruled out of the Indian Premier League with injuries.

South African captain Smith fractured his finger while taking a diving catch of Virender Senhwag in their match against Delhi Daredevils in Ahmedabad Monday.

England all-rounder Mascarenhas injured his ankle in the same match.

Rajasthan Royals captain Shane Warne said both players were ruled out of the rest of the tournament and would return home.

"Unfortunately (Graeme) Smith and Dimma (Mascarenhas) are going home due to injury. Big setback for us as they are very good players. Their experience will be hugely missed," Warne twitted.

"We wish them a speedy recovery and hope to see them back in Royals colours again."

Smith said he was disappointed to be leaving the tournament after just two games.

"I have a double fracture in my right middle finger so will be missing the IPL. I hurt it while taking the catch off Sehwag last night. When I landed, my finger got hooked in the ground," said Smith.

It will be a big blow for Rajasthan who have lost their opening two games. They are without Australian Shane Watson, who is on Test duty, and Ravindra Jadeja, who has been banned from the IPL.