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Cricket PlayersIPL 2019: Steve Smith replaces Ajinkya Rahane as Rajasthan Royals captain for remainder of tournament
The decision to make a change in the leadership was taken by Rajasthan Royals to bring a fresh approach in getting their 2019 campaign back on track.
Steve Smith was on Saturday appointed as captain of Rajasthan Royals, replacing Ajinkya Rahane for the remainder of IPL.
The decision to make a change in the leadership was taken to bring a fresh approach in getting their 2019 campaign back on track.
“Steve has always been part of the leadership team within RR and Rahane will continue to be a key voice in the side, therefore the Royals see this as a small restructuring process to secure the results required to move up the table,” said Rajasthan Royals in a press release.
Smith, who is back in action after serving a one-year ban for his role in the ball-tampering scandal, will lead Royals against Mumbai Indians at Jaipur. The hosts, who have lost six out of their eight games, need to win at least five of their remaining six matches to have any chance of making the play-offs.
Smith was also named captain before the start of the 2018 edition but in the wake of the ball-tampering incident, it was decided that Rahane would lead the team in the Australian’s forced absence.
“Ajinkya is and will always be a true Royal. He led the team to the play offs in 2018 in a very challenging scenario and that will go down as one of the great comebacks of the IPL. He remains a key part of our side and leadership team and will extend support wherever required to Steve,” said Rajasthan Royals Head of Cricket Zubin Bharucha.
“Steve is one of the most innovative and successful captains in the world, in all formats of the game. We are confident he can lead the Royals to success.” added Bharucha.
However, Smith is expected to be available until May 1 but by then, the team would have played majority of its league games.
Star players Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler would also be leaving next week to join England’s World Cup camp.
Smith has made 186 runs in seven games at 37.20 with 73 being his highest.
Rahane, on the other hand, has scored 201 runs at 25.12 including a top-score of 70.
