Indian Premier League side Rajasthan Royals on Monday replaced Australia’s Steve Smith as captain over his role in a ball-tampering controversy.
A club statement said India’s Ajinkya Rahane would take over as skipper in the IPL season starting April 7.
“Steve believes given the current circumstances it’s in the best interest of the Rajasthan Royals that he steps down as captain so the team can get ready for the start of the IPL without the ongoing distractions,” the club said.
Twitter weighed in with its two cents:
Imagine being sacked by the Rajasthan Royals for cheating. https://t.co/HNZLMr5Gfi
— Nick (@SharlandNM) March 25, 2018
No surprise that Rahane is the new captain of the Rajasthan Royals. I won't be surprised if Smith opts out entirely either.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 26, 2018
So Steve Smith is not going to captain Rajasthan Royals. Really interesting, a bit unexpected. Will David Warner too not captain Hyderabad. If it happens that way, we may have all 8 Indian Captains for the first time in IPL history.
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) March 26, 2018
Rajasthan Royals sack Steve Smith as captain.
— Sorabh Pant (@hankypanty) March 26, 2018
A team that was suspended for corruption in a cricket league whose sole purpose is to make money - has more ethics than Cricket Australia or ICC.
Now Ajinkya Rahane is named as the captain of the Rajasthan Royals, now what will be the situation of the Sunrisers Hyderabad? Will they replace Warner with other, let's see #RajasthanRoyals
— B. Rohith Kumar (@rohith19_) March 26, 2018
As expected Steve Smith removed from captaincy for #Rajasthanroyals!!
— Deepak Appalaneni (@DAppalaneni) March 26, 2018
Waiting for sunrisers Hyderabad decision!!
Could be actually a blessing in disguse for Royals. This means no obligation to play Smith & therefore can field Stokes, Buttler, Archer & Short in the same XI. #IPL2018 https://t.co/npl4Fvz2l0
— Deepu Narayanan (@deeputalks) March 26, 2018
Feel for @rajasthanroyals a lot. Just coming back to the IPL and find their captain is not the right leader whom young players will look up to and respect any more. Smith should withdraw himself from the tournament and Rahane should lead.
— Gaurav Sundararaman (@gaurav_sundar) March 24, 2018
It is a harsh decision take over captaincy to #SteveSmith ball tampering is worst thing we all admit but it not end of the world.#RajasthanRoyals
— Kunal (@Kunal00643168) March 26, 2018
Ajinkya Rahane to replace Steve Smith as Rajasthan Royals' skipper in #IPL2018 Make in India is now working well.
— pandurang escobar (@Bhavessshh) March 26, 2018
Shikhar Dhawan after knowing RR replaced Smith with Rahane. pic.twitter.com/8vHhsRgJve
— Arfan 🏏 (@Im__Arfan) March 26, 2018