Steve Smith reunited with Ashes rival in IPL

Steve Smith is set to be reunited with Ashes rival Jofra Archer as the mercurial Aussie returns to captain the Rajasthan Royals in next year's Indian Premier League after he took over from Ajinkya Rahane during the last season.

Smith also led the Royals in 2015. England stars Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler and Archer have also been retained by the struggling IPL side in 2020.

MODERN-DAY BRADMAN: Aussie legend praises Steve Smith

"It's an honour to be named the Rajasthan Royals captain for the 2020 season," Smith told the Royals' website.

"It's been a pleasure leading the Royals in previous years and I can't wait to play alongside this extremely talented squad, plus those we pick up in the auction!”

Archer memorably floored Smith with a 148km/h bouncer during this year's Lord's Test, concussing the batsman and forcing him to miss the next match.

The Australian is looking forward to sharing a dressing room with his Ashes rivals once again.

"After a summer of some of the toughest cricket I can remember against the England boys in the World Cup and the Ashes I'm looking forward to having three of them on my team this time around," he said.

"Everyone knows that Ben, Jos and Jofra are three of the finest cricketers in the world so it is going to be a fantastic tournament teaming up with them."

Smith has also signed for the Sydney Sixers' upcoming Big Bash League campaign.

Watson retained

Shane Watson will return to the Chennai Super Kings along with South Africa's Faf du Plessis, while Chris Lynn will continue on with the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Marcus Stoinis and Nathan Coulter-Nile are going back to Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Mumbai Kings released Jason Behrendorff and Ben Cutting, and Andrew Tye was released from Kings XI Punjab.