IPL 2018 | Ajinkya Rahane announced as Rajasthan Royals captain after Steve Smith steps down
Rajasthan Royals have appointed Ajinkya Rahane as their captain after Steve Smith stepped down from the role following the sandpaper-gate in the ongoing series against South Africa. The Aussie had admitted to ball tampering in the Cape Town Test that has seen ICC handing him a one-match suspension.
Rumours had been ripe since yesterday that Rajasthan Royals might have to look for another captain following the fiasco in the ongoing series between South Africa and Australia. Smith had already been asked to step down from Test captaincy following his startling confession, in the press conference post game on Day 3, that he had been voluntarily involved in the ball-tampering incident.
The Royals were returning to the IPL after a two-year suspension, following the 2013 betting scandal that found them guilty, and it looked only reasonable that they steered away from any sort of controversy with the league starting in just under a months time.
“The incident in Cape Town has certainly disturbed the cricket world. We have been in constant touch with the BCCI and taken their counsel. Furthermore we have been in regular contact with Steve,” said Zubin Bharucha, Head of Cricket, RR.
“Ajinkya Rahane has been an integral part of the Royals family for a long time now and he understands the culture and values of our team. We have absolutely no doubt that he will be a great leader of the Rajasthan Royals. Rajasthan Royals will do everything possible to protect the values and the integrity of the game. We agree with Steve’s decision to step down as captain, and we are fortunate to have such a capable successor with Ajinkya Rahane,” said Rajasthan Royals co-owner Manoj Badale.
“It is important that all cricket fans retain a balanced perspective on the situation. What happened in South Africa was clearly wrong, especially given that it appears to have been pre-meditated. That said, this will be a difficult time for Steve as well, given how much he cares about the game.”
Rahane, India’s vice-captain in Tests, was an integral part of the Royals squad before the spot-fixing scandal and would quite understandably be the perfect candidate to go ahead as the face of the brand. Royals start their campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 9, away from home.
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