Reports: Rajasthan Royals set to sack Steve Smith as captain

Rajasthan Royals are set to sack Steve Smith as captain after the recent ball-tampering fiasco, reports Republic. Smith has stood down as Australia's captain as well and if these reports are to be believed, it won't be long before RR release an official statement regarding the same. Ajinkya Rahane will most probably lead the side in 2018 IPL.

Batsman Cameron Bancroft, who has been charged by the ICC, was caught on the cameras tampering with the ball during the third Test between Australia and South Africa, and Smith later admitted that the decision was taken collectively by the “leadership group” of the team. Both, the captain and vice-captain (David Warner) have stepped down from their position for the remainder of the Cape Town Test match.

Tim Paine will lead the side temporarily.

"Following discussions with Steve Smith and David Warner they have agreed to stand down as Captain and Vice-Captain respectively for the remainder of this Test match. This Test needs to proceed, and in the interim we will continue to investigate this matter.

“Cricket Australia and Australian cricket fans expect certain standards of conduct from cricketers representing our country, and on this occasion, these standards have not been met. All Australians, like us, want answers and we will keep you updated,” CA chief executive James Sutherland said in a statement.

I am embarrassed: Smith

"The leadership group knew about it. We spoke about it at lunch. I am not proud of what's happened. It's not within the spirit of the game. My integrity, the team's integrity and the leadership group's integrity has come into question. It won't happen again.

"It was the leadership group's idea. Poor choice and we deeply regret our actions. The coaches weren't involved. It was purely the leadership group who came up with this. This is the first time it has happened under my leadership.

"We saw this game as such as an important game. We've seen the ball reversing through this series and this ball didn't seem like it was going to go. It's such poor actions. Deeply regrettable and won't happen again. I can promise you. I can promise you this is the first time it has happened.

"I am embarrassed. I know the boys in the shed are embarrassed as well. Being the leader, I am incredibly sorry. If we weren't caught, I would still regret it," Smith had said yesterday.

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