Smith replaces Rahane as Rajasthan Royals captain

Rajasthan will be forced into another change of skipper in due course when Smith leaves the IPL on May 1 to join up with Australia ahead of the World Cup

Ajinkya Rahane has been removed as Rajasthan Royals skipper and been replaced by Australia’s Steve Smith as the franchise search for a "fresh approach" having won just two of their first eight matches.

Rajasthan will be forced into another change of skipper in due course when Smith leaves the IPL on May 1 to join up with Australia ahead of the World Cup. The Royals face Delhi Capitals on May 4.

Royals head of cricket, Zubin Bharucha, said: "Ajinkya is and will always be a true Royal. He led the team to the play offs in 2018 in a very challenging scenario and that will go down as one of the great comebacks of the IPL.

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"He remains a key part of our side and leadership team and will extend support wherever required to Steve.

"Steve is one of the most innovative and successful captains in the world, in all formats of the game. We are confident he can lead the Royals to success."

Away from the IPL, Rahane is supposedly being eyed up by Hampshire for a spell with the county this summer.

Rahane is not part of India's World Cup squad and could act as a replacement for Aiden Markram after the South African was included in South Africa’s 15-man squad for the tournament.