Ajinkya Rahane, India’s Test vice-captain, will step in to lead Rajasthan Royals in the coming IPL season, should Seven Smith denies not to lead the team, a report PTI suggests.
In all probability, the franchise will sack Smith as skipper, and Rahane will step up to perform the job.
“Now the ball is completely in Rajasthan Royals’ court. Yes, Smith was dishonest in allowing a youngster to tamper with the ball. He has set a very bad example, but Rajasthan’s plans revolve around Smith,” a senior BCCI official told PTI.
“We think Rajasthan will like to start with a clean slate without any controversy. So it would be easier if Smith decides to play as a batsman only and let someone else take over the mantle of captaincy,” he added.
Rahane seems to be an automatic choice to replace Smith.
Rahane was though not officially announced as the vice-captain of the franchise, but it was observed that he is the deputy to Smith.
In fact, Rahane has no competition in the race to captaincy post.
Ben Stokes will leave IPL early due to international commitments, which automatically rules him out of the race. Also, the team does not have a potential candidate to fill Smith’s boots.
Another franchise, Sunrisers Hyderabad, will also have to look for a new captain, as David Warner might also get sacked as the skipper.
Both the players have found themselves in dock post the Sandpaper Gate saga.
During the third day’s play between Australia and South Africa, Cameron Bancroft rubbed sandpaper on the ball on the instructions of the team management.
Smith, during the post-match presser, confirmed it was the idea of the players to tamper the ball to get undue advantage.
The confession has come down on him and he has been banned for next Test match. He was also docked 100% of his match fee.
Both Smith and Warner were stood down as captain and vice-captain in between the Test, and Tim Paine led the team.
There are high chances of Cricket Australia taking strict action against Smith and Warner in the coming days.
There is no clarity over the participation of these two players in IPL, as well. Cricket Australia will conduct an inquiry into the matter to know the roles of these two and other players as well.
The cricket board is expected it to come down hard on the players who planted the idea to tamper the ball.