IPL 2020: One experienced player each franchise should retain

Shane Watson (Image courtesy:iplt20.com)

Steve Smith (Rajasthan Royals)

Even as the debate over who is better between Steve Smith and Virat Kohli continues, there is a high probability of Rajasthan Royals retaining the former Aussie captain for the 2020 IPL season.

After missing out on the 2018 season owing to his ban over the ball-tampering controversy, Smith returned to the Royals in 2019, and made an instant impact. In 12 matches, he managed 319 runs at a strike rate of 116.00, with three fifties.

While these are not exceptional numbers by any stretch of the imagination, they are commendable considering the pressure and scrutiny Smith was under going into the tournament.

Royals will be elated with the form Smith displayed in the 2019 Ashes, where he was all but invincible. What Smith brings to the table is unmatched consistency with the bat, coupled with his superb fielding abilities - not to forget that he can turn his arm over as well.

Overall IPL record: 81 matches, 2022 runs