IPL 2020: Steve Smith Keen To Get Rajasthan Royals' Campaign Off To A Good Start

Rajasthan Royals’ skipper Steve Smith seems to be in good shape, having recovered from a concussion that he suffered before the ODI series in England. The concussion forced Steve Smith to miss the entire series against England; however, he will return to lead Rajasthan Royals in their opening game against Chennai Super Kings in Sharjah. The New South Wales batsman hopes to put on a good show.

Also Read: IPL 2020: Virat Kohli On The Verge Of Joining Four Captains In Elite List

Steve Smith got installed as the skipper of Rajasthan Royals last season midway, replacing Ajinkya Rahane. He led the franchise to some satisfying victories; however, was not able to lift them to the playoffs. Smith will have to lead the team devoid of Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes, both of who remain unavailable for the first match. Hence, the 31-year old needs all his boys to contribute their every bit to topple CSK.

Steve Smith feels delighted to catch up with the entire squad, who have been here for a month, acknowledged having a strong team and ready to get going. The right-handed batsman appreciated the Chennai Super Kings, who beat Mumbai Indians by five wickets in their opening game on Saturday. Smith is keen to get their campaign off to a positive start.

“The guys have been here for a month now, and from all reports, the training’s been magnificent. It’s been good to catch up with both the old and the new Royals, we’re in a good place and have got an outstanding squad this year, really strong, and we’re ready to get going. Chennai and Mumbai both have been two solid teams for a long time now. We obviously watched a bit of the game the other night, the Super Kings played really well to get over the line in the end. Hopefully, we can put on a good show and get our campaign off to a good start,” Smith said as quoted by News Indian Express.

“Been in Dubai for a couple of days now with some good rest and then got into a bit of running” : Steve Smith

Steve Smith added that he has been in Dubai for a couple of days now and did some exercises, which are part of the protocols and will also hit the nets. The former Australian skipper hopes that all is well to play tomorrow. In 81 IPL games, Smith has over 2000 runs at 37.44 having a strike rate of 128.95 and would probably bat in the middle-order.

“Yeah obviously missed the last three ODIs in England. Been in Dubai for a couple of days now with some good rest and then got into a bit of running. Yesterday I did a bit of zig-zag running, which is part of the protocols to pass to get back to play and today I’ll have a hit in the nets. Hopefully, pull up well from the hit and be good to play tomorrow,” he added.

Also Read: We’ll Find Out More About Ravichandran Ashwin’s Injury Soon: Ricky Ponting