Ajinkya Rahane asserts Royals will welcome Steve Smith: The Royals’ captain was vocal about the banned Australian batsman.
A sudden ban on the then Australia captain Steve Smith had thrown light on India batsman Ajinkya Rahane, who was put in the leadership role a handful of days ahead of the start of the Indian Premier League last season.
Under Rahane’s captaincy, Royals made it to the semi-finals last year. However, it wasn’t a mean task for a franchise which was making a comeback into the tournament after a two-year gap.
Love the passion for #RR, Liam! Tell us how you felt when you found out that we’ll sport pink this year. #HallaBol #DareToWearPink https://t.co/uXdo0VMz5a
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) February 11, 2019
Manan, tell our fans what was the first thing that came to your mind when you saw this colour. #DareToWearPink #HallaBol https://t.co/R5GfkHeNOj
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) February 11, 2019
In the 15 matches which Royals played, Rahane scored 370 runs at an average of 28.46 and a strike rate of 118.21. Among the other players, wicket-keeper batsman Jos Buttler (548 runs in 13 matches at an average of 54.80 and a strike rate of 155.24) and fast bowler Jofra Archer (15 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 21.66, an economy rate of 8.36 and a strike rate of 15.5) had laid the foundation for Rajasthan’s success.
On the occasion of Royals launching a new jersey for IPL 2019, Rahane was vocal about his experience of leading the side. Thanking mentor Shane Warne for recommending his name, Rahane laid emphasis on learning a lot during the process.
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“My experience was really good. When I got to know that I am going to lead Rajasthan Royals, I was so happy. All thanks to the management and Shane Warne who recommended my name since Smith was not available. Being a captain I really learned a lot. Our team did really well considering they were making a comeback after two years,” Rahane was quoted as saying.
On being asked about how Smith will be received this year, Rahane highlighted Royals’ motto of backing their players. Hailing Smith as ‘one of their own’, Rahane hinted at benefiting from his inputs during the tourney.
Meet the Pink Diamonds of Cricket! Meet the new Rajasthan Royals. 💗#HallaBol pic.twitter.com/3rGPOl7gM5
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) February 10, 2019
Strict disciplinarian 👀
Strange combination in Indian food 🍛Some major spills from @ajinkyarahane88 and @ShreyasGopal19 about @ShaneWarne on #HallaBol #DareToWearPink https://t.co/SJyIcLOv9K
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) February 11, 2019
.@ajinkyarahane88 is raring to go at the new season and just like all of us, is super excited about our new colour! 😍 #HallaBol #DareToWearPink pic.twitter.com/NufRxiwJM3
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) February 11, 2019
“We all know how good Steve Smith is as a player and what he did in the past for Royals and for Australian cricket. Mistakes can happen and Rajasthan Royals is a team that believes in backing players.
“Definitely, we will welcome Steve Smith with love because he is our player and he is one of our own. It is good to have him and I’m sure his inputs and experience will benefit us,” Rahane added.
