Gautam Gambhir Names His Pick As Steve Smith's Successor For Rajasthan Royals

Gautam Gambhir has felt that the time has still not arrived for Sanju Samson to captain the Rajasthan Royals team following the release of the former captain Steve Smith. Smith was under the scanner for the most part of last year’s IPL owing to his poor form with the bat and it looks like the doors have been shut for Steve Smith in the Rajasthan Royals camp as of now.

Steve Smith hasn’t performed as he would have liked to in the 2020 IPL and now he has been released by the Royals following the bottom finish in the points table last year.

With a lot of batsmen fighting for the same spots in the Rajasthan batting lineup, it is better for them to release Steve Smith though he has been one of the key players in their setup for a long time now.

Gautam Gambhir’s Pick For The Captain Of Royals

Gautam Gambhir also told that he picked Jos Buttler as the captain of the Royals team for the 2021 IPL which might have reduced the pressure on Sanju Samson who is struggling to cement his place in the Indian T20 XI.

“According to me, it’s a bit early to give the captaincy to Sanju Samson. I would have appointed Jos Buttler as Rajasthan Royals captain. He is one player who will play in all 14 matches. Samson has recently played for India. He would be under pressure to cement his place in the side,” Gautam Gambhir told Star Sports. 

Gautam Gambhir has captained Kolkata Knight Riders to win IPL trophies and he does know what it takes to be the captain of an IPL team and the pressure associated with it.

“It Might Backfire As Well As The Responsibility Might Curb His Natural Instinct” – Gautam Gambhir

The elegant left-hander Gautam Gambhir had also mentioned that the move to promote Sanju Samson as the captain might backfire the plans of Royals or it may curb his natural instinct to go after the bowling always. It has been 13 years since the Royals won the inaugural edition of the tournament and they will be looking to turn the tides this time.

“It remains to be seen whether the move will work as it did for Rohit Sharma for Mumbai Indians. It might backfire as well as the responsibility might curb his natural instinct. I would have appointed Buttler as Royals captain for one year and then handed it over to Samson,” Gautam Gambhir added.

Rajasthan Royals made it to the playoffs two seasons back in 2018 under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane and improved performance is the need of the hour for the Royals.