IPL 2020 | Steve Smith is the logical choice for captain, reveals Rajasthan Royals coach
Rajasthan Royals’ new head coach Andrew McDonald reckons that Steve Smith is the logical choice to take over the captaincy hat for the upcoming season of the IPL. Ajinkya Rahane, who started as captain last season, was replaced mid-way by Smith and has now been released by the team.
Although he is a Royal through and through, Rahane’s fortunes as captain last season betrayed him big time. With just two wins from eight games, the team was dwindling in the bottom half of the table when Smith took over. The change in fate was immediate, as the Royals went on to win four matches on the bounce.
"I think Steve Smith is the logical choice after the season last year as he stepped in halfway through and we saw a real spark in the performance from the team aspect. I think continuity is important from the point of view of captaincy. He has got an understanding of how players go about it on the field and understand how the bowlers think. I think it is critical to have a captain who understands the players that he is working with,” McDonald told IANS.
"Has also had a great time with the Australian team as well. He has been there under pressure and done it before. Really looking forward to working with him. Haven't had the opportunity to work with him at this level, really looking forward to that. Have had a few initial conversations with him, he will be our captain for the season," he said.
Rahane's removal as skipper creating quite some noise among fans and scribes, especially as he led from the front with the bat throughout the campaign. However, the Royals team had then said that they wanted to free Rahane of the pressures of captaincy. However, they have released the India player this season, and he will now be turning up for Delhi Capitals in the next edition of the IPL.