India star's brutal response to Steve Smith captaincy shocker
It looks like Ajinkya Rahane has a chip on his shoulder after being replaced as Rajasthan Royals captain by Steve Smith.
Some parts of the cricket world were shocked on Sunday when Smith was promoted to the captaincy, especially given he’s banned from captaining Australia for the next 12 months.
Smith continued his good form with the bat on Monday night, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Rajasthan losing by six wickets to Delhi Capitals.
Smith registered his second successive half-century since being restored as captain, to help the Royals build a daunting total of 6-191 on Monday.
But he was overshadowed by Rahane, who was relieved of the captaincy after his side won only two of their first eight games, who scored a brilliant 105 off just 63 balls.
Ajinkya Rahane hits a ton
—His 2nd IPL ton
—First ever IPL ton at Jaipur
—Lost his captaincy in the last game and that’s how you reply — with a stellar performance
Looked confident in this knock
When in good touch looks a fantastic player#RRvDC @rajasthanroyals— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) April 22, 2019
Rahane's century going in vain but on a personal note it's a relieving thing for him being on the verge of criticism every now n then seeing his captaincy as well taken away from him ! Hope this is the birth of a new Rahane full of confidence n raring 2 step on the field! #RRvDC
— Tejas Pujare (@tejas_pujare) April 22, 2019
They took captaincy from Rahane and gave back his stroke, Whatta CENTURY 105 (64)
Smith always so good with pressure of captaincy.#RRvDC— Robin Islam (@Im_robin89) April 22, 2019
Smith’s departure for 50 when he miscued a long-hop from Axar Patel and was caught on the boundary by Chris Morris slowed down the Royals’ progress.
Smith was dismissed by the opening ball of the 14th over with the score at 2-135.
Ashton Turner’s embarrassing world record
Ben Stokes (8) soon followed and luckless Ashton Turner then registered his third successive IPL golden duck – to set an unwanted T20 world record.
The West Australian, who starred in Australia’s ODI series win over India, became the first player to make five successive ducks.
Turner fell without scoring for Australia against India in February which was preceded by another scoreless innings in the BBL for Perth Scorchers against Sydney Strikers.
Riyan Parag then exited for four as the Royals only added 57 from their final 6.5 overs, largely down to some fine bowling from Kagiso Rabada (2-37)
The Ricky Ponting-coached Capitals cruised to their imposing total with four balls to spare after a quickfire 54 from veteran Shikhar Dhawan set the platform for Rishabh Pant o guide his side home.
with AAP