Rajasthan Royals Squad for IPL 2018: Heinrich Klaasen Replaces Steve Smith

Rajasthan Royals have named South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen as Steve Smith’s replacement for the Indian Premier League 2018 (IPL 2018). “The wicket-keeper batsman was picked for INR 50 lakh from the Registered and Available Player Pool (RAPP) list,” read a BCCI release. Smith, who was banned by Cricket Australia (CA) for one year, was subsequently barred from participating in this year’s IPL. Batsman Ajinkya Rahane was named as the captain of Royals and now Klaasen has replaced Smith in their squad.

Klaasen, who made his debut against India earlier this year, earned Man of the Match award in his second ODI. He was subsequently handed the T20I debut in the three-match series and impressed with his stroke-making abilities. In the second T20I, the wicketkeeper-batsman scored 30-ball 69 and smashed three fours and seven sixes during his knock.

Apart from Jos Buttler, Rajasthan Royals will now have two wicketkeepers in their squad. And looks like, Klaasen will play as a specialist batsman if need be.

Meanwhile, Royals will open their IPL 2018 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 09 at Rajiv Gandhi Intl. Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad. Royals play their first home game of the season against Delhi Daredevils at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on April 11. The franchise is making a comeback following a two-year suspension.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 02, 2018 03:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).