New Delhi: After Steve Smith's confession to ball-tampering in the third Test between Australia and South Africa, Indian Premier League franchise (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals (RR) has removed the Australian as the skipper of the side in the upcoming season of the league.Ajinkya Rahane will now replace Smith as captain of the Royals, the franchise announced on Monday.
Commenting on the major development, RR Head of Cricket Zubin Bharucha said,"The incident in Cape Town has certainly disturbed the cricketing world. We have been in constant touch with the BCCI and taken their counsel. Furthermore we have been in regular contact with Steve."Speaking at the announcement of the new captain, Bharucha added, “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.”(UNI)