IPL 2019: Steve Smith not to lead Rajasthan Royals in the upcoming season, as per reports

The BCCI is expected to follow regulations laid against Smith by Cricket Australia.

Steve Smith has been a prolific run-getter for the Royals | Getty

Steve Smith, who is slated for a return to Indian Premier League (IPL) after an exile from the tournament last year, will not be leading Rajasthan Royals in the 2019 edition of the cash-rich T20 competition.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), as per Mumbai Mirror, is expected to follow the regulations laid by Cricket Australia (CA), which has banned Smith from all leadership roles for the next 2 years after the infamous ball-tampering incident in South Africa. 

Although, Smith, who was retained by RR earlier, will remain an integral part of his team's middle-order with the bat and it is learnt that the franchise will bestow captaincy duties to Ajinkya Rahane for the whole season. 

Rahane, in fact, led Rajasthan successfully till the knock-out stage in IPL 2018, where they lost against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the second qualifier.

"He’ll have learnt a lot through the episode, treat people as you want to be treated and things will probably work out pretty well. Everyone is happy with redemption so if he shows humility and good grace, scores lots of runs, time will do the rest," said Andrew Jones, CEO New South Wales, about Smith who is scheduled to return at the end of the home summer after serving a year-long ban. 

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 06 Jan, 2019

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