RR looking for Steve Smith’s replacement: The IPL franchise might have to find an overseas batsman for the upcoming season.
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IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals might not enjoy the services of banned Australia batsman Steven Smith during the 12th season of the Indian Premier League after he has been ruled out of actions for six weeks due to a elbow injury.
Smith aggravated a past elbow injury while playing for Comilla Victorians during the ongoing edition of the Bangladesh Premier League.
“He is quite positive about returning, possibly during the Sylhet phase of the competition. He will undergo an MRI in Australia, which isn’t available in Bangladesh, and will inform us about it,” Victorians media manager Sohanuzzaman Khan was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
A surgery could mean several months on the sidelines, derailing Smith’s return to international cricket once the suspension duration is complete. Details: https://t.co/AQxFYRyvgs
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) January 12, 2019
Steven Smith’s return to international cricket after his one-year ban could be delayed; he’s set to undergo surgery for his elbow injury
More to follow… pic.twitter.com/ZUyQU5A0Xk
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 12, 2019
The 29-year old right-hand batsman will undergo surgery in Australia and is expected to wear a brace for six weeks. It is understood that Smith will undergo an extensive recovery post the six-week period.
While the duration of the recovery is not known as of now, Smith’s participation in the series against Pakistan and the Indian Premier League is under clouds.
[yuzo_related]
With Australian players only available till May 2 and Smith also certain to play the series against Pakistan (if fit), once assumes he will have a limited role to play in the Indian Premier League. Perhaps, it was this reason due to which there were reports of Rajasthan Royals not handing the captaincy to Smith for IPL 2019.
Steven Smith is ruled out of PSL4
Joe Denly is also busy with International series
Will Multan Sultan miss them or there are more options left who can be better than them, what do you reckon guys???— Ayankhan66.com (@Ayankhan66C) January 13, 2019
Steven Smith May Miss PSL 4 because of elbow surgery. pic.twitter.com/TxYhCL9vD3
— MiR AfZal (@MiROfficial10) January 12, 2019
According to the reports in the Mumbai Mirror, the franchise will only be able to replace Steve Smith if the cricketer confirms that he won’t be flying to India to participate in the tournament.
Smith was slated to represent Royals in the last season but was banned by Cricket Australia for his involvement in the ball tampering saga at Cape Town last year. Royals had replaced him with South Africa wicket-keeper batsman Heinrich Klaasen. It will be interesting to know whom they finalize on as Smith’s replacement for this season.
