IPL 2020, RR vs CSK: Steve Smith, all set to return for Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan Royals (RR) will start their campaign on Tuesday in the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League. Rajasthan Royals will lock horns with Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings in their first match.

Chennai Super Kings won against Mumbai Indian in the opening match of the IPL.

Rajasthan Royals skipper and batsman Steve Smith was hit on the head in practice during the limited-over series with England. Due to this, he could not play in the three ODIs of the series on the advice of Cricket Australia’s medical team. But now he is fully fit and ready to show his good batting skills on the ground.

“Yeah obviously missed the last three one-dayers in England. (I have) been in Dubai for a couple of days now with some good rest and then got into a bit of running,” Smith was quoted as saying in a media statement issued by Rajasthan Royals.

“Yesterday I did a bit of zig-zag running, which is part of the protocols to pass to get back to play and today I’ll have a hit in the nets. Hopefully, pull up well from the hit and be good to play tomorrow,” Smith said.

Smith praised his team

Smith said that his team is in a better position for the league’s 13th season, as they have got a good team this year. He said it is fantastic to connect with the old and new royals. They all are in a good position.

“The guys have been here for a month now and from all reports, the training has been magnificent. It’s been good to catch up with both the old and the new Royals. We’re in a good place and have got a really good squad this year, really strong and we’re ready to get going.”

Chennai is a strong team: Steve Smith

About Chennai Super Kings, Smith said, Chennai and Mumbai are the two strongest teams of IPL. They have seen their game in the last match. Chennai Super Kings had a great performance in the end.

“Chennai and Mumbai both have been two really strong teams for a long time now. We obviously watched a bit of the game the other night, the Super Kings played really well to get over the line in the end.

“Hopefully, we can put on a really good show and get our campaign off to a good start,” Smith said.

Rajasthan Royals won the trophy in the first season of IPL i.e.,2008. But after this, the team has not been able to repeat its success. However, this time the team has included some big T20 players. The team has a good mix of youth and experience, along with Robin Uthappa, Shreyas Gopal and Varun Aaron, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag and Kartik Tyagi.