The Rajasthan Royals have let go Steve Smith who was the skipper of the team in the last edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) after a discussion that went down the wire in words of a franchise official. According to an ANI report, the decision to release Smith has been taken today only and that the franchise will appoint a new captain in the IPL 2021. At his place, the franchise has handed over the captaincy to India's explosive batsman Sanju Samson who has been an instrumental figure in their batting line up over the years.
Apart from the change in captaincy, the franchise has also made some notable changes in their working by roping in former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara as the director of cricket. He will assume his role with the upcoming edition of the league.
Notably, Smith was handed over the captaincy of the team after Ajinkya Rahane was struggling to lead the side after the comeback from a two-year ban by the BCCI.
The Royals had finished last on the points table of the league in IPL 2020 and hence the decision to let go Smith was always on the cards.
On the other hand, the franchise which celebrated an early triumph in the inaugural edition of the league is contemplating options of retaining young players such as Kartik Tyagi, Mayank Markane and Mahipal Lomror.
Earlier today, Harbhajan Singh was released by the Chennai Super Kings and there many more releases on cards from other teams as well.
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