The absence of Steve Smith will be a huge blow to Rajasthan Royals, as the inaugural IPL champions look to rekindle their love affair with India’s biggest cricket carnival.
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Ajinkya Rahane will lead the team in Smith’s absence, as the former Royals player will look to inspire a very talented group of players.
Rajasthan look like a reincarnated form of last year’s Pune side, with the likes of Rahane, Stokes, Tripathi and Unadkat being the most prominent players in both setups.
The addition of Butler and Samson would add firepower to the side, as the two players are two of the most exciting players in full flow.
Another player who is expected to shine this year is Jofra Archer. The Englishman had a wonderful BBL, and will be looking to an even bigger platform in India.
The pace bowler is himself very excited for this season, and is desperate to perform for the Royals outfit.
“It is life-changing. It’s probably the biggest T20 competition outside of international cricket, and I can’t play international cricket at the moment, so it’s probably going to be the biggest challenge of my life so far. I just want to perform as well as I did in the Big Bash and take that form back to Sussex.” Archer was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.
“[My priorities] won’t change. I think Test cricket is the reason I tried to become a pro, I just hope that the time flies. If it is that I have to wait until 2022, I’m much happier doing what I’ve done this winter and seeing new places, so either way I’m not fussed about waiting.” he added.
Let’s see if Archer can indeed be the star that everyone feels he is destined to be!
