Rajasthan Royals’ newly-appointed skipper Ajinkya Rahane believes Steve Smith should be respected as a player. The ex-Australia skipper’s reputation has taken a severe beating after the ball-tampering scandal surfaced in Cape Town.
Smith is going through perhaps one of the toughest phase of his career. In the wake of the Australian shenanigans, he received a one-Test ban from ICC.
Cricket Australia (CA) then went a step ahead and banned the top-ranked Test batsman for 12 months. Along with Smith, the board has handed lengthy bans to Cameron Bancroft and David Warner.
And at a time when Smith needs much-needed support, Rahane has delivered some encouraging words for his Indian Premier League (IPL) teammate.
The India star Rahane subsequently refrained from making any comment on whether the punishment was harsh before throwing support behind Smith.
“I cannot comment on that because it was completely the ICC and Cricket Australia’s discretion,” Rahane remarked.
“Whatever had to happen has happened. CA and ICC took their decisions. It’s time to respect Smith as a batsman and as a player. With the kind of record he has, especially in the Tests, that’s best for now,” Rahane added.
Rahane further said he was happy to be back with the Royals for the impending season eleven.
Abled-leader Ajinkya Rahane played for Royals before the franchise was banned in 2015 for the two editions.
“It’s a happy feeling coming to Jaipur. I received some positive vibes when I entered the city. The mind now automatically wants to bat. And we have a good record here too. But it’s like a new start now. Surely the home games will be very important but the away games are equally important,” said Rahane.
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