Australia star batsman Steve Smith will lead Rajasthan Royals for the remainder of the IPL season after the franchise removed Ajinkya Rahane from the position on Saturday following an indifferent first half.

Smith was the original leader of the team but the ball-tampering episode last year led to change in hierarchy. But after six defeats from eight games this season and with Rahane himself not in the best of forms, the Rajasthan management has hit the reset button in order to get their campaign back on track.

In a statement, Rajasthan stated that “Ajinkya Rahane did a fantastic job in leading the team to the playoffs last year, however, the franchisee now thinks a fresh approach is needed to bring their 2019 campaign back on track.”

Zubin Bharucha, Head of Cricket for Rajasthan Royals, said: “Ajinkya is and will always be a true Royal. He led the team to the play offs in 2018 in a very challenging scenario and that will go down as one of the great comebacks of the IPL. He remains a key part of our side and leadership team and will extend support wherever required to Steve.

“Steve is one of the most innovative and successful captains in the world, in all formats of the game. We are confident he can lead the Royals to success.”