IPL 2020: Steve Smith To Captain Rajasthan Royals In Upcoming Season

RR head coach Andrew McDonald said that he was looking to work together with the former Australia skipper and take RR to greater heights

After trading Ajinkya Rahane to the Delhi Capitals (DC), Steve Smith is all set to lead the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The development has been confirmed by team’s head coach Andrew McDonald who was looking to work together with the former Australia skipper and take RR to greater heights.

“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 understands how the bowlers think. I think it is critical to have a captain who understands the players that he is working with,” said McDonald.

With Rahane's removal as skipper creating quite some noise among fans and scribes, RR had said, “Rahane, someone who embodies all the qualities you'd expect from a Rajasthan Royals player, took the reins for our first few games, allowing Smith to settle in. We did not have a great start to the season, but our skipper was in good form, scoring a sublime 70 against SRH and providing a strong start during a successful chase against MI in Mumbai. “Keeping Ajinkya's role as a successful opener for the team in mind and to release him of captaincy pressures, Smith was made captain before our home game against MI. The two continued to take leadership calls, and Rahane continued to score runs, including a majestic hundred against Delhi Capitals. The team got back to winning ways.” Interestingly, RR have this season released Rahane and the India player will now be turning up for Delhi Capitals in the next edition of the IPL. (With Inputs From IANS)