Rajasthan Royals request BCCI to get in Heinrich Klaasen as Steven Smith's replacement

In light of all of the recent events, RR have now opted to replace the Australian with a somewhat surprising option in the form of South African batsman - Heinrich Klaasen. Klassen, who starred for the Proteas in the series versus India last month, was the last minute replacement for the injured Quinton De Kock in the South African squad. Royals authorities have handed in a request to BCCI officials in order to bring the South African into the training setup ahead of the IPL.

"Our aim was to get someone who can play spin well because we are pretty sure that spinners will have a big role to play during the IPL. Klaasen is an amazing player of spin. And he has a vast array of shots, which tempted us to go for him. He plays the reverse sweep very well, something that will be quite useful in the IPL," RR head of cricket, Zubin Bharucha told TOI in an interview.

Klaasen will serve as a surprise inclusion in the team due to his largely unknown batting technique in the T20 format of the game. His added ability as a wicket-keeper will be a bonus for the Rajasthan franchise who already have two wicket-keeping batsmen in the form of Jos Butler and Sanju Samson. Moreover, the Proteas batsman will cost the Royals a measly sum of Rs. 50 lakh only which meant that they can save the rest of the amount for Smith when he returns next season.