IPL 2018: 3 players who can captain Rajasthan Royals if Steve Smith is sacked 

After Australian captain Steve Smith confessed to the ball-tampering incident that shocked the cricket fraternity around the world, several demanded him to be sacked as the captain of his national team. A top official from the Smith’s IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals told news channel Republic that they are likely to sack him from his IPL captaincy as well.

Last year, the 29-year-old led the Rising Pune Supergiants to the final of the tournament and a lot of things were expected from him this year too. However, in the wake of the current circumstances, it seems highly unlikely that Smith will be at the helm of the Royals. Here’s looking at the 3 possible replacements for Smith's IPL captaincy.

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#3 Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes became a household name in India last year, after becoming the most expensive buy in the auctions, and repaying the faith the Pune Supergiant showed in him.

The England all-rounder’s exceptional batting, fielding and bowling has made him a hot property in T20s and should the other more deserving captaincy candidates in the team decline the offer made to them, the former vice-captain of England's Test team can be handed over the responsibility.

Ben Stokes made his IPL debut last year and grabbed the instant limelight

# 2 Jos Buttler

Buttler is the current vice-captain of England's ODI team

England’s former limited-overs captain, who captained the team in 3 ODIs, and the current vice-captain, Jos Buttler can be a good option for the vacant post. The wicketkeeper-batsman is also one of the best finishers in white ball cricket. Buttler was purchased by the Rajasthan Royals for Rs 4.4 crore because of his impressive performances in the shorter formats.

He has been very good behind the wickets too, his glove work being impressive on most occasions. In case the Royals management decides to name a foreign captain and not an Indian, then Buttler will be their first choice.

#1 Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane will be the first choice for Steve's replacement

Indian Test batsman Ajinkya Rahane is the first obvious choice for the captaincy post as he is the vice-captain of the Indian Test team. Besides, he has been a proven performer for all his IPL franchises. Rahane has been the dark horse of the Royals, consistently piling up runs. From 2012 to 2017, Rahane has played 91 IPL games from which he has 2,789 runs.

His experience, both in the IPL and international, makes him a good candidate for the newly vacated post unless the management is looking at international limited-overs experience only. However, apart from Rahane, the team does not have any players with the experience of the Maharashtrian.