Rajasthan Royals made a big call last season as they sacked captain Ajinkya Rahane mid-season and replaced him with Steven Smith, even when they knew that the Australian will have an early exit from the tournament. Rahane was back as captain for the last few games after Smith left. After IPL 2019, reports emerged that Rahane was moving to Delhi Capitals and a month ahead of IPL 2020 auction, the trade was confirmed.
Commenting on his sacking for the first time, Rahane has said losing captaincy was disappointing for him. Under team India’s Test vice-captain, Rajasthan had won two out of their first eight matches. Interestingly, Smith was dropped from the playing XI in the eighth match before he made a comeback as captain.
“At that point I didn’t have anything like that in mind. Delhi Capitals wanted me to play for them and I felt there was an opportunity to learn and grow as player. I am thankful to Royals that they gave me an opportunity to play for them for so many years. Whatever happened midseason last year, yes it was disappointing. I have always believed that cricket is a team sport and you don’t lose because of one player’s mistake or win because of one player’s brilliant performance. If you want me to take the blame, okay fine,” Rahane told Hindustan Times.
Apart from Rahane, senior India spinner R Ashwin also joined Delhi Capitals. He led Kings XI Punjab in past two seasons but following below-par results, he also decided to switch franchises. KXIP and Anil Kumble wanted Ashwin to stay but he was keen to move on to a new franchise.
Both Rahane and Ashwin will play under Iyer, who led DC to playoffs after seven long years, in IPL 2019. This time, DC will be without the services of advisor Sourav Ganguly as he is now BCCI’s President.
In IPL 2020 auction, DC spent big money on all-rounder Marcus Stoinis and bought him for Rs 4.80 Crore. They also roped in West Indies batsman Shimron Hetmyer for Rs 7.75 Crore. Apart from them, DC bought Lalit Yadav, Tushar Deshpande, Mohit Sharma, Alex Carey, Chris Woakes and Jason Roy.