Steve Smith to lead the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2018

Steve Smith will lead the Rajasthan Royals.

Bengaluru, February 24: The Rajasthan Royals have picked Steve Smith as their new captain for the upcoming edition of the VIVO Indian Premier League. Making a comeback after a two-year hiatus, the Royals named their skipper on live television.

Shane Warne, the mentor of the Royals, named Smith as the skipper on live television on Star Sports, making it the first time in the history of the tournament such an announcement was made.

“Smudge has been with the Royals in the past. He is a very passionate and influential player and we are excited to have him with us again."
Co-owner, Manoj Badale talks about @SteveSmith as the #RoyalCaptain #IPL2018!https://t.co/CG5aQhK35S #PhirHallaBol #Cricket #HallaBol pic.twitter.com/f5uuRsO9JJ
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) February 24, 2018

Speaking live on Star Sports, Smith, in his first address as captain, said, “I’m looking forward to having a successful campaign. It’s exciting to unite with Shane Warne and hopefully we can produce great results.

Talking about the upcoming tournament the new skipper added, “I’m excited and looking forward to it. It’s about enjoying it. We have six to eight weeks to spend together (on his teammates) and it’s all about having each others back. We are going to play good cricket, enjoy each other company and enjoy each other’s cricket.”

Smith who led the Rising Pune Supergiants to the final last year, said he was looking forward to playing in Jaipur as a Royals batsman. “I’ve never played at Jaipur as a Royal’s player and I’m excited about that. I can’t wait for the fans to get out their and support us,” signed off the skipper.

The wait is over, Royals!

Aayo re aayo @SteveSmith!
An epic season lies ahead with him as the #RoyalCaptain

Saath milkar ab #PhirHallaBol! pic.twitter.com/98u7ulqzQZ
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) February 24, 2018

Apart from Smith, there were two other contenders for the post, namely Ajinkya Rahane and Ben Stokes. Interestingly Smith has been part of the Royals campaign in 2014 and 2015. Moreover, the Royals who had been banned from the tournament for two years, retained only Smith from their original squad.

Also, it will be interesting to watch the Smith-Warne duo work up their magic and guide the Royals.

In their opening game of the tournament, the Rajasthan Royals will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in an away fixture on April 9.

The 'Royal Reveal' is done and it's @stevesmith49 who'll helm matters for @rajasthanroyals this #VIVOIPL season! #RR fans, what do you have to say about your new prince? pic.twitter.com/iPkA0C0fQw
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 24, 2018