IPL 2019: Ajinkya Rahane re-appointed Rajasthan Royals captain following Steve Smith's departure

New Delhi: Ajinkya Rahane was on Friday re-appointed captain of IPL side Rajasthan Royals following the departure of Australian Steve Smith. Rahane returns to lead Royals for the game against Delhi Capitals on Saturday after Smith replaced him as captain in the middle of the season following the team’s disappointing run which saw it lose six out of their first eight games. [caption id=“attachment_6401131” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File image of Rajasthan Royals captain Ajinkya Rahane. Sportzpics[/caption] However, there was a revival of fortunes of the side under Smith which led Royals to winning three out of the last four games, giving them a slender hope of making the play-offs with a game to go. Smith has returned home to join the Australian team ahead of the World Cup beginning 30 May in the UK. “We have requested Ajinkya to take on the captaincy of the team; as a true Royal he has shown great courage and character in graciously accepting the responsibility, which accompanies this role, whilst it would have been easier for him to take a back seat and focus solely on his batting,” said Zubin Bharucha, Head of Cricket at Rajasthan Royals. “A true team man and a true Royal, we are extremely fortunate to have characters like him playing this sport and even prouder he is part of the Rajasthan Royals franchise. For all the latest news, opinions and analysis from IPL 2019, click here For the full schedule, date, time and venue of all the matches of IPL 12, click here Check out the full points table for IPL 2019, including holders of Orange and Purple Caps