IPL 2019: Steve Smith replaces Ajinkya Rahane as Rajasthan Royals captain for reminder of season

Steve Smith will captain Rajasthan Royals in place of Ajinkya Rahane as captain for the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 season.

Rajasthan Royals (RR) have so far won just two of the eight matches in IPL 2019. 

Rahane was appointed captain last season after Steve Smith was forced to miss the 2018 season due to the ball-tampering ban. Under Rahane, they managed to reach the playoffs in 2018. 

"Rajasthan Royals will be led by the Australian batsman Steven Smith for the upcoming matches of the IPL. Ajinkya Rahane did a fantastic job in leading the team to the playoffs last year, however, the franchisee now thinks a fresh approach is needed to bring their 2019 campaign back on track." the RR media release said.

"Steve has always been part of the leadership team within RR and Rahane will continue to be a key voice in the side, therefore the Royals see this as a small restructuring process to secure the results required to move up the table."

“Ajinkya is and will always be a true Royal. He led the team to the play offs in 2018 in a very challenging scenario and that will go down as one of the great comebacks of the IPL. He remains a key part of our side and leadership team and will extend support wherever required to Steve,” RR's head of cricket Zubin Bharucha said.

“Steve is one of the most innovative and successful captains in the world, in all formats of the game. We are confident he can lead the Royals to success,” Bharucha added.