IPL 2019: Rating the captain of each team

Rajasthan Royals- Steve Smith

Rating: 7.5/10

Steve Smith

The Rajasthan Royals will be bolstered by the return of Aussie Steve Smith from a 1-year ban and he will lead the Royals this season.

Ajinkya Rahane was made the captain after Smith's involvement in a poor show of sportsmanship led to his shunning for a season. Rahane didn't really flourish both as a batsman and a captain and was middling in both. They somehow got through due to the performance of their English overseas players and some fighting spirit shown by their youngsters.

Smith's return spells good for everyone especially Rahane whose burden has been removed. Most importantly, it will give Smith confidence ahead of the World Cup which looms ahead and this IPL will be the most crucial one in his life. He led RPSG to the final in IPL 2017 and though he's unlikely to captain Australia, he will want to prove himself here and that fire will ensure good performances.

One slight matter of concern will be his recent fitness struggles and the fact that he hasn't played any international cricket in a long time and that may have an impact on his performance for the first couple of games.