IPL 2018: Rahane replaces Smith as RR captain; SRH awaits probe on Warner
In the aftermath of the recent ball-tampering controversy which forced Australia skipper Steve Smith to step down, his IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals on Monday also stripped Smith of the captaincy and named Ajinkya Rahane to lead the side in the upcoming Indian Premier League.The Rajasthan Royals, returning to the IPL fold after serving a two-year ban on charges of corruption, had on Sunday sought time to take a final call ahead of the start of the 11th edition of the cash-rich league. Here are the top 10 developments in the Steve Smith ball-tampering controversy: 1) David Warner 'not allowed to play': David Warner has been axed for the final Test series between Australia and South Africa in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal, according to media reports.This comes after Steve Smith has already banned for the fourth Test in Johannesburg.
2) Steve Smith steps down as Rajasthan Royals captain: Steve Smith today decided to step down from Rajasthan Royals' captaincy in the wake of the of severe backlash he has faced after admitting to ball tampering during the third Test against South Africa.The decision was on expected lines the moment Cricket Australia indicated that harsher penalty was on cards for Smith and Co for their role in an episode that has shaken Australian sporting fraternity. 3) Ajinkya Rahane replaces Steve Smith: Right-hand Indian batsman Ajinkya Rahane will replace Steve Smith in the upcoming season of the IPL. "Ajinkya Rahane has been an integral part of the Royals family for a long time now and he understands the culture and values of our team. We have absolutely no doubt that he will be a great leader of the Rajasthan Royals," said Zubin Bharucha.Welcoming Rahane as the captain of the team, Ranjit Barthakur, executive Chairman, Rajasthan Royals, said: "Ajinkya Rahane has stepped up as a leader whenever he has been given the opportunity, be it for India or at Rajasthan Royals." 4) Ashish Nehra sad over Steve Smith ball tampering: Former India fast bowler Ashish Nehra concedes that Steve Smith was wrong in orchestrating ball-tampering but it will be sad if the under-fire Australian captain is barred from participating in IPL 2018."I know what they did was wrong. But if we think that this is the first time that ball tampering is happening, then that is also wrong. But the best part is they admitted their mistake and ICC has sanctioned them. 5) Steve Smith steps down as Australian cricket team's captain: Caught up in the balltampering controversy, Steven Smith stepped down as the Australian cricket team's captain for the remainder of the ongoing third Test against South Africa.The actions of the Australian team's leadership in the ball-tampering controversy would be investigated, said Cricket Australia. 6) David Warner also steps down: On the back of the ongoing ball-tampering controversy, Smith's deputy David Warner also stepped down as vice-captain. Wicketkeeper Tim Paine acted as captain at Newlands, with both Smith and Warner taking the field on Sunday. 7) Australian media slams cricket team: Australia's cricketers have heaped disgrace and humiliation on the country, the local press said on Monday in blasting the "rotten" team culture under the current leadership.Cricket is considered the national sport in Australia and the stunning developments have not gone down well."Smith's Shame," screamed The Australian broadsheet on its front page, in remarks echoed by other media. 8) Bancroft fined 75% of his match fee: Australia's Cameron Bancroft has been fined 75 per cent of his match fee and handed three demerit points for breaching Level 2 of the ICC code of conduct. The ball-tampering controversy erupted after Television footage showed Bancroft rubbing the ball and then seemingly putting an object back in his pocket.
9) Harbhajan Singh accuses ICC of discrimination: Spinner Harbhajan Singh took to Twitter to react to the ball-tampering controversy, alleging discrimination on part of the ICC. Singh pointed out that there was no ban for Bancroft "with all the evidences", whereas six Indian players were "banned for excessive appealing in South Africa in 2001 without any evidence". "WHAT THE ........ HAVE I JUST WOKEN UP TO. Please tell me this is a bad dream," wrote former Australian skipper Michael Clarke on Twitter. Meanwhile, former England captain Michael Vaughan tweeted, "Steve Smith, his Team and ALL the management will have to accept that whatever happens in their careers they will all be known for trying to CHEAT the game ... #SavAUS,"
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