In the 2019 Indian Premier League, Rajasthan Royals could manage to win only five matches. But surprisingly out of the six centuries made in last year IPL edition, two centuries came from team Rajasthan Royals- from Sanju Samson and Ajinkya Rahane, and on both times, they concluded the match by losing note.
Out of those five wins, three came in the latter half when Rajasthan Royals changed skipper of the team in midway. After the mentorship was taken over by ex-Australian captain, Steve Smith for the last six matches, their luck turned. The impact of Steve Smith as skipper was telling, and it was not a surprising thing when the RR management named Smith as their full-time captain for the 2020 IPL.
Steve Smith is set to miss the starting of 2020 IPL for Eng-Aus series:
But just ahead of the cash-rich tournament, Steve Smith is set to miss the beginning phase of 2020 IPL in the UAE as England and Australia are playing limited-overs series at the Old Trafford. On September 4, 6, 8 the T20I matches, on September 11, 13, ODI matches held and on 16th September there will be the final ODI matches between England and Australia.
According to the IPL SOP, Steve Smith can come to the UAE on September 17 or 18, and then will stay in the quarantine period for six days with RT-PCR tests on the 1st, 3rd, and 6th day. On the 7th day, he can enter the bio-secure bubble of Rajasthan Royals provided he tests negative on all three times. Effectively, Steve Smith will not play a minimum of the first two or three matches of the Rajasthan Royals.
Because of the England-Australia series, mostly Rajasthan Royals are likely to suffer as Smith, Buttler, and Archer, all are in their ranks and all they have to miss the beginning phase of 2020 IPL.
Head Injury:
Once the star batsman of Australia & Rajasthan Royals, Steve Smith faced a head injury scare. While practicing in the nets for the ODI three-match series, again Smith was hit on the head from a delivery by an Australian fast bowler. That’s why he had to miss the 2nd, as well as the 3rd ODI, and Marcus Stoinis replaced him.
How Rajasthan Royals manage the absence of Steve Smith?
If Australia and England players have to serve the mandatory quarantine period, then the Rajasthan Royals have only three foreign players in the team, Oshane Thomas, David Miller, and Andrew Tye.
To fulfill the absence of Steve Smith, Rajasthan Royals re-bought Jaydev Unadkat, who will lead the team. And if he has to miss the complete edition, then also expectantly Jaydev will take the whole responsibility. Hope, Steve Smith will join his franchise as soon as possible so that Rajasthan Royals can get the perfect man leading the charge.
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