Rahane’s turn to fill big boots
With Shane Warne as mentor, the new captain is in charge of a team that looks strong despite Steve Smith’s absence
NEW DELHI: Rajasthan Royals, into their ninth year in the Indian Premier League, have been pretty inconsistent ever since their fairytale title triumph in the inaugural edition.
After being banned from the previous two editions due to the match-fixing scandal of 2013, RR will have a point to prove this season.
Even before they could make a fresh start in IPL this season, Royals were in turmoil with their newly-named skipper Steve Smith caught ‘cheating’ in the balltampering row that shocked the cricketing world.
Much to their relief, Smith himself stepped down from captaincy and Rajasthan Royals replaced him with Ajinkya Rahane as leader of the team.
Rajasthan Royals would hope there is no more controversy and the focus remains on cricket. Despite Smith’s absence, the team looks good on paper. With batsmen like Rahane, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson, all-rounder Ben Stokes, and promising Jofra Archer at their disposal, Royals have some of the best in the business.
Unlike in the past when Royals have been cautious with their spending, they opened their purse strings big time in this auction to build a strong all-round team.
They have two most expensive buys in Ben Stokes and Jaydev Unadkat, who forged a potent bowling combination at Rising Pune Supergiant last season, guiding them to the final.
They have also bought some good domestic talent like Shreyas Gopal and K Gowtham of Karnataka. Both have been in good form and would be eager to prove themselves in the big league.
The return of Shane Warne, who guided them to title in the inaugural year in 2008, adds to the strength of the side.
It will be interesting to see how he combines with Rahane, whose attacking and proactive leadership came to the fore against Australia during the Dharamsala Test last year. Tomorrow: Royal Challengers Bangalore
UNLIKE IN THE PAST WHEN ROYALS HAVE BEEN CAUTIOUS WITH THEIR SPENDING, THEY OPENED THEIR PURSE STRINGS BIG TIME IN THIS AUCTION TO BUILD A STRONG ALLROUND TEAM.