Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane is very excited after he was chosen for the leadership role of Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2018. Initially, Australian cricketer Steven Smith was captain of this IPL team but his recently ball-tampering involvement resulted in the removal from the leadership role and Rahane replaced him for that role.
Speaking about his new role in the team, Ajinkya Rahane said in the press release, “I am very excited to captain the team that I have always considered as my family. I would extend my thanks to the entire management of Rajasthan Royals for having shown the trust in me and considering me for this role.”
In present, Rahane is the oldest member of Rajasthan Royals. Since 2011, Rahane played for Rajasthan Royals until the team faced last two-year suspension from IPL. The right-handed batsman played for Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS) for the last two seasons before his Rajasthan Royals return through the RTM card in the 2018 IPL Auction.
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Playing second most matches for Rajasthan Royals (77 matches), Rahane has scored second most runs for the franchise team (2,335 runs).
Talking about his comeback in Rajasthan Royals, Rahane quoted, “I am thrilled to be back with the Royals again and I am ready to get to work and do all that I can, to ensure we go all out and give our best. We won’t miss a beat as we gear up for yet another exciting IPL season in a few days from now.”
However, he has already debuted as a captain in the IPL history. In the last IPL season, Rahane had led the RPS side once against Delhi Daredevils after their captain Steven Smith missed out due to food poisoning.
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Rahane also thanked the fans for supporting them as he said, “I would also like to thank the fans and followers who have stood by us and I look forward to their continued support for Rajasthan Royals for the upcoming season.”
In the meantime, Rajasthan Royals will take soon the final decision on Steven Smith. After sacking him from the captaincy, the IPL franchise can also suspend Smith for at least this season.
