Steven Smith named Rajasthan Royals captain

Steve Smith was the only player that Rajasthan Royals retained from their 2015 roster © BCCI

Steve Smith has been named as captain of Rajasthan Royals for the upcoming IPL 2018. The announcement comes less than a couple of weeks after the 2008 champions appointed Shane Warne as their mentor.

Smith, who replaced MS Dhoni as the captain of Rising Pune Supergiant last season, comes with impressive credentials. He justified the move with 472 runs - most by an RPS player last season - and led the team to the final, where they finished second best to Mumbai Indians. Eventually, Rajasthan Royals opted to retain only Smith from their 2015 roster - for INR 12 crore.

"It is great to be back at [Rajasthan] Royals. I was with the franchise a few years back. We had a great time. Thanks for giving me the honour and privilege of leading the Royals. I am looking forward to have a successful campaign. Looking forward to working with Warne," Smith said.

Warne too, was effusive in praise for his fellow Australian. "I've watched him [Smith] bat through the years, watched him captain the national side. I think he's the best batsman in Test cricket. Really looking forward to working closely with Smith and hearing his thoughts. Looking forward to helping him if I can and taking the team forward," Warne said.

Rajasthan Royals make their comeback from the two-year ban and will play their first fixture of the 2018 season against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad on April 9.