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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.

Ajinkya Rahane and Steve Smith. Image: IPL
Ajinkya Rahane and Steve Smith. Image: IPL

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.

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.

Steve Smith in action. Image: AAP
Steve Smith in action. Image: AAP

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