IPL 2020: Exciting To Be Back Leading Rajasthan Royals - Steve Smith

As the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is 25 days away, players and fans all across the globe are quite ecstatic about the cash-rich league. Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) star, Steve Smith has also expressed his joy on returning to lead the franchise in this year’s IPL as a dynamic leader.

Smith faced a one-year ban following the sandpaper scandal that took place in 2018 in South Africa. However, ever since his return, Smith has let his bat do the talking.

After an impressive outing in the 2019 World Cup, Smith made his presence felt in the Ashes and later followed it up with a fine form in the home series against Pakistan and New Zealand respectively.

In the ODI series against India too, Smith played some gritty knocks; 98 in the second ODI in Rajkot followed by 131 in the final ODI in Bengaluru.

Steve Smith Happy To Lead Rajasthan Royals In IPL 2020

On being asked about his return to lead Rajasthan Royals once again, Smith said, “Yeah look, it’s exciting to be back leading Royals. I have had a few opportunities to lead Royals throughout and I don’t think I have actually started a year as captain before, so I am excited about that.”

He added, “I think we have a really good squad, some quality Indian players, some terrific overseas players and I think we have got a good mix of experience and youth. I am looking forward to this year, hopefully, we can start well and build momentum throughout and hopefully be there, come finals time.”

In the absence of Smith last year, Ajinkya Rahane led Royals in IPL 2019.

However, Rajasthan had a poor outing last season and finished seventh out of the eight teams that participated.

Previously, Rahane–led side won only five of the 14 games that they played and miserably lost eight games in the competition.

Rajasthan Royals To Begin Their Campaign Against CSK

Royals will begin their IPL campaign this year against last year’s finalists, Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

They will play their first game of the season on April 02 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

Also Read: Ahead Of IPL 2020, MS Dhoni Pays Ultimate Tribute To Chennai Super Kings