IPL 2020: Steve Smith named Rajasthan Royals captain in this quirky Instagram video

Australian cricketer Steve Smith, who had taken over from Ajinkya Rahane mid-season in the last edition of the Indian Premier League, was confirmed on Monday to lead Rajasthan Royals in the 2020 edition of the competition.

ALSO READ | IPL Auction 2020: Two Former IPL Winners To Be Part Of Bangladesh Premier League Draft

Royals, who were reeling at the bottom of the points table, during the first half of the tournament with just two wins from eight games, saw a change in their fortunes after Smith took over as they won four games on the trot.

The IPL franchise confirmed the news in a quirky video posted officially by them on Monday. The Royals' newly-appointed coach, Andrew McDonald told IANS that he was looking to work with the former Australia skipper and take RR to greater heights.

Here's a look at the video announcing Smith as the captain

ALSO READ | Gautam Gambhir Holds MS Dhoni Responsible For Missing Out On World Cup 2011 Final Ton

McDonald said that Smith was the logical choice after the season last year as he had stepped in halfway through and they saw a real spark in the performance from the overall team aspect. He added that continuity was important from the point of view of captaincy. He went on to say that the former Australia skipper had an understanding of how players went about their business on the field and understood the bowlers' thought process. He also said that it was critical to have a captain who understood the players that he was working with.

McDonald added that Smith also had a great time with the Australian team. He had been there under pressure and did it before. He was looking forward to working with him. The Royals coach did not have the opportunity to work with Smith at this level and said that he had a few initial conversations with him.

ALSO READ | Imran Khan Advises Sacked Captain Sarfaraz Ahmed On How To Make International Comeback

Rahane's removal as skipper during the last season created a lot of buzz but the Royals management said that they wanted to release him from the captaincy pressure.

Interestingly, Royals released traded Rahane to the Delhi Capitals ahead of the IPL 2020 auction. The Indian star will now play for the Capitals in the upcoming season.

ALSO READ | Aus Vs Pak: Steve Smith's Astounding Gabba Record That Will Worry Pakistan