IPL 2018: Steve Smith beats Ajinkya Rahane, Ben Stokes to bag Rajasthan Royals captaincy
Australian swashbuckling batsman Steve Smith has been named as the captain of Rajasthan Royals for the upcoming 11th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Though India’s Ajinkya Rahane and England’s Ben Stokes were also considered for the post, it was Smith who eventually got the nod.
The Australian skipper had earlier led Rising Pune Supergiant in the last season of the IPL, replacing former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Speaking at the appointment of Smith as the captain, Royals’ cricket director Zubin Bharucha said, “We have some great players and cricketing minds in the team with proven leaders like Steve Smith and Ajinkya Rahane. We came to the conclusion that Steve Smith would be the ideal candidate for the job. Smith has been incredible as captain of Australia. He is someone who leads the team by example.”
Smith, on his part, said he is looking forward to work with his legendary countryman Shane Warne. “It’s great to be back with the Royals. It’s an honour and privilege to be leading Royals and looking forward to working with the King (Shane Warne),” he said.
Meanwhile, Warne, who was earlier roped in by Rajasthan Royals as their mentor, said that his side would continue to …read more