Ajinkya Rahane to lead against Capitals as Rajasthan Royals aim for Playoffs spot

In the absence of the newly appointed captain, Steve Smith, Ajinkya Rahane will return to reign as Rajasthan Royals eye for the playoffs berth. Ajinkya Rahane was removed as the skipper before the Mumbai Indians game at Sawai Mansingh and since then, Steve Smith has led the side to three victories in five games with one match getting washed out.

Rajasthan will now be up against Delhi Capitals in a day game at Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi. For them to make it to playoffs, they have to upstage Delhi Capitals, and they will have to hope Kolkata Knight Riders and Kings XI Punjab win only one game and that Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Sunrisers Hyderabad.

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Speaking of the same, Zubin Bharucha, Head of Cricket at Rajasthan Royals said, Jinks has always been a great guiding force for the team. We have requested Ajinkya to take on the captaincy of the team; as a true Royal he has shown great courage and character in graciously accepting the responsibility, which accompanies this role, whilst it would have been easier for him to take a back seat and focus solely on his batting. A true team man and a true Royal, we are extremely fortunate to have characters like him playing this sport and even prouder he is part of the Rajasthan Royals franchise.

"He has consistently been part of the leadership team taking key decisions and we have full trust in him taking us to victory tomorrow,” added Bharucha.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Rajasthan Royals is currently placed at number five spot. 
• Rajasthan need to win their Delhi Capitals if they need to be in contention for playoffs. 
• Ajinkya Rahane will lead in Steve Smith's absence.