Steve Smith, the skipper of Rajasthan Royals (RR) says they have set-up a team with the right blend of youth and experience. The star batter credited great IPL Players’ Auction ahead of the latest IPL campaign set to begin on 19th September in the UAE.
Steve Smith added that the variety in both batting and bowling will help the team combat different conditions in the UAE. If the experienced batsman can guide the youth along, Rajasthan Royals could very well repeat their success of the inaugural edition of the IPL in 2008.
Steve Smith On Rajasthan Royals’ Combination:
In a recent interview with Sportstar, the Australian batsman said the Jaipur-based franchise Rajasthan Royals have got all their bases covered, and thus have no particular area to make amends in.
“We’ve got a great combination of youth and experience in the batting line-up. Some really experienced internationals who’ve been around a fair bit and some very talented and exciting Indian guys who add great value to the squad,” Steve Smith said.
“Our bowling has a lot of variety; good fast bowlers and some quality spinners. I think we’ve got a good setup, which will be important in different conditions during the IPL.”
Rajasthan Royals has been boosted by skipper Steve Smith besides the English trio of all-rounder Ben Stokes, pacer Jofra Archer and wicket-keeper Jos Buttler. They have prominent pacers like Jaydev Unadkat and Varun Aaron, batsman Robin Uthappa
Also, South African David Miller and Australian Andrew Tye would be keen to make things count for Royals.
Another England player Tom Curran is also in the squad. Rajasthan Royals also bought the six-ft six Jamaican fast bowler Oshane Thomas ahead of IPL 2019 and retained him for the IPL 2020.
Steve Smith Wants Experienced Players To Help Youngsters In Squad To Settle
Steve Smith will be working alongside fellow Australians – head coach Andrew McDonald and mentor-cum-ambassador legendary leg spinner Shane Warne. Steve Smith mentioned a few IPL veterans while speaking highly of some of the youngsters from India’s recent Under-19 World Cup squad.
“We’ve also got some experienced players like Jay (Jaydev Unadkat), Varun (Aaron) and Robin Uthappa who have been around the IPL for a while now and will be vital for the season, helping the young boys in the squad to settle.”
“As far as the youngsters go, the under-19 World Cup showed the quality of guys like (Yashasvi) Jaiswal, (Kartik) Tyagi and (Akash) Singh. Riyan (Parag) was really good last time around and hopefully he can continue that this time, too,” Steve Smith, who was appointed captain in the middle of last season, said.
Yashasvi Jaiswal was the leading run-scorer with 400 runs in six matches averaging a staggering 133.33. Kartik Tyagi picked 11 wickets at an average of 13.91 at the U-19 World Cup in February this year at a creditable average of 13.91.
Riyan Parag, however, had a breakout IPL season last year. Playing the finisher’s role, he scored 160 runs at an average of 32, while also picking two wickets. Riyan Parag, who is a leg spinner also known for his reputation of hitting the ball hard is the youngest to score an IPL fifty and played in 2018 U-19 World Cup.