IPL 2019 | Ajinkya Rahane |
IPL

Rajasthan Royals sprung a surprise in the ongoing IPL as they replaced their skipper Ajinkya Rahane with Steve Smith.

The team had won just two matches under Rahane and following unfavorable results, Rahane was sacked as the captain mid-way tournament.

While Rahane might still be part of the decision-making group, former Australian cricketer Brad Hogg thinks that taking captaincy back from Rahane was a little bit disrespect for young Rahane.

Read More: It Showed Little Bit Of Disrespect For Young Rahane: Brad Hogg On RR’s Decision To Change Captain Mid-Season

Hogg has himself been part of the Rajasthan Royals franchise in past.

“While Rahane was the captain, there was so much arm-waving from other players within that line-up. When he was trying to talk to his bowlers, other players were coming in. A captain is your captain; he is the who makes decisions, no one else… I think it was a tough decision on Rahane, and it showed a little bit of disrespect for young Rahane,” he said.

It Showed Little Bit Of Disrespect For Young Rahane: Brad Hogg On RR's Decision To Change Captain Mid-Season

The decision of Rajasthan Royals to hand back captaincy to Smith was a big surprise.

It is to be noted that he will not be playing full IPL and he is in India for 13 games.

Rajasthan Royals have played three matches under Smith so far and have won two out of them.

Should Rajasthan Royals qualify for the playoffs, captain Smith will be part of the team.

In that case, Ajinkya Rahane is expected to be given back the captaincy duties.

Read More: ICC World Cup 2019: Alex Hales to Join England’s Camp for the Showpiece Event

Also, Smith is banned by Cricket Australia from captaincy for a period of two years.

He isn’t allowed to lead Australia or any other squad in Australia for one more year.

Last year, BCCI followed Cricket Australia by banning Smith and David Warner from IPL as well – they were banned for one year each.

Meanwhile, with a tough win over Kolkata Knight Riders last night, Rajasthan Royals kept their hopes of qualifying for the next round alive.

Chasing a target of 176, the visiting team was five down on 98.

RR, KKR, KKR vs RR, IPL 2019
Image Credit: Google

Youngster Riyan Parag again stepped up for the team an did the finishing job by scoring 47 off 31.

Jofra Archer, who played his last game of the season, too shone with the bat and scored 27* off 12.

Rajasthan Royals made a spectacular comeback to hand sixth consecutive defeat to KKR in their IPL 2019 tourney.

The inaugural champions have to win each of their remaining matches to be in the race.

The results of other matches will have a crucial say in whether Rajasthan Royals make it to the playoffs or not.