Shane Watson’s decision to step down as captain of Rajasthan Royals in the middle of the tournament was aimed at helping the team, insists team-mate Chris Morris.

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It was surprising to see Steven Smith walk out for the toss in the game against Chennai Super Kings on Sunday, but Morris said it was a brave call taken by the Australian all-rounder two days earlier.

“It happened a couple of days ago. Watto (Watson) just thought he needed to focus more on his batting and bowling,” Morris said.

“It is a tough job to captain a T20 team, especially when you are bowling first and your mind is a bit all over the game.

“And then you come off and strap your batting pads on in 10 minutes. It becomes a bit of roller-coaster game. 

“I doff my hat off to Watto for giving up the captaincy and taking more responsibility for his batting. We all appreciate it as team men and move on from there.”

Rajasthan have blown hot and cold in the tournament winning the first five games and then logging just one victory in their next eight games.

The poor run has put them in danger of missing the play-offs.

Morris has no answer to the slide but he concedes their last league clash against Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday is a must-win.

“I really don’t know (what has gone wrong with the team). I guess the oppositions got their teams right in terms of selection,” he said.

“Look, there were a couple of games that went to the last ball. Cricket is a game of margins and we needed to get the last ball to go our way but it didn’t on a couple of occasions.

“KKR are a very good side and they are on a roll at the moment. They will be a very difficult team to beat with all the spinners they have.

“It will be a tough game, but so has every game that we have played. We will have to win it somehow, it is as simple as that.”