In the aftermath of the ball-tampering controversy that jolted Australian cricket during their third Test of the ongoing four-match Test series against South Africa. Steve Smith has stepped down as the captain of Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals. India's top-order batsman Ajinkya Rahane has been named Smith's replacement to lead the 2008 IPL winners in the 11th edition of the tournament. Zubin Bharucha, a Rajasthan official 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.”
India's Test vice-captain Rahane is also saleable as a brand -- a must for all IPL franchises. Rahane was one of Royals' premier performer before they were banned for two years in the wake of the 2013 spot-fixing scandal. "Ajinkya Rahane has stepped up as a leader whenever he has been given the opportunity, be it for Team India or at Rajasthan Royals. We consider him the right candidate to lead the side this crucial season when the team is coming back to the IPL after two years. We wish him all the best," Ranjit Barthakur, Executive Chairman of the set-up, said.
Steve Smith loses the Rajasthan Royal captaincy after admitting to ball tampering during the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town. The ICC on Sunday handed Smith a one-Test suspension and docked his full match fees as per its code of conduct.
