Steve Smith Replaces Ajinkya Rahane as Rajasthan Royals Captain

Rajasthan are playing Mumbai Indians on Saturday and Smith will lead the team in the match.

Smith will replace Ajinkya Rahane as the Royals skipper. 

(Photo: BCCI/IPL)

Rajasthan Royals on Saturday, 20 April, announced that Steve Smith will take over captaincy from Ajinkya Rahane, and will lead the franchise for the rest of the season.

The announcement was made on the same day Rajasthan were scheduled to play Mumbai Indians at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium in Jaipur.

“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.”

Zubin Bharucha, Head of Cricket, Rajasthan Royals

Bharucha also complemented Ajinkya Rahane for his services as the captain of the team so far in the campaign. “Rajasthan Royals will be led by the Australian batsman Steven Smith for the upcoming matches of the IPL.

“Ajinkya Rahane did a fantastic job in leading the team to the playoffs last year, however, the franchisee now thinks a fresh approach is needed to bring their 2019 campaign back on track.”

Rajasthan have four points from eight games so far in the season and are placed eight in the points table. Rahane has found it tough to score this season for the Royals as much of the responsibility has come on Jos Buttler’s shoulders.

Meanwhile, Smith hailed Rahane for the way he has shouldered the responsibilities of the side in the past. The Royals made it to the playoffs under Rahane last year, losing to Kolkata Knight Riders in the Eliminator.

“Ajinkya Rahane has done a terrific job over the last year and a half. The owners thought there should be a change in the leadership and he will be a part of the leadership group as well.” Smith said.