IPL 2018 : Ajinkya Rahane Replaces Steve Smith As Rajasthan Royals Captain

File Picture Courtesy : Times of India

As soon as the ball tampering row admission at press conference in Cape Town by Australian skipper Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft hit the headlines, pressure has mounted on the tainted Steve Smith.

After being removed as skipper of Australia, the batsman has now stepped down as skipper of the IPL team Rajasthan Royals. Smith was due to lead the side in IPL 2018. He is now being replaced by India’s test vice- captain Ajinkya Rahane.

The official statement released by the management said that Smith believes that in the current circumstances “it’s in the best interest of the Rajasthan Royals that he steps down as Captain so the team can get ready for the start of the IPL without the ongoing distractions.”

Steve Smith who led Rising Pune Supergiant to the final in the last edition of Indian Premier League, was the only player to be retained by Rajasthan Royals.

Replaced as skipper, now it remains to be seen whether Smith takes part in IPL 2018 as a player or not given the widespread furore over his actions.

Speaking about Rahane’s appointment the co-owner of Rajasthan Royals, Manoj Badale said that the game is bigger than any individual. “We hold this thought close to our heart,” he said.

“We agree with Steve’s decision to step down as captain, and we are fortunate to have such a capable successor with Ajinkya Rahane. It is important that all cricket fans retain a balanced perspective on the situation,” Badale added.