IPL 2020: 3 players who could captain Rajasthan Royals
The IPL trade window was quite busy on Thursday with various players being traded from one franchise to another ahead of the IPL auction next month. In one of the most highlighted trades of the day, Rajasthan Royals released their skipper Ajinkya Rahane to Delhi Capitals to avail the services of the leg-spin duo, Mayank Markande and Rahul Tewatia, from the Delhi-based franchise.
Rahane made his debut for the Royals in 2011 and was a key player for the Royals until IPL 2015 before the franchise was banned for two years, only to return in 2018. In the 2018 auction, the Mumbai batsman re-joined the franchise as their captain for the season. It was his proficient skills as a captain that helped RR qualify for the playoffs before bowing out in the Eliminator against KKR.
However, despite being one of their more successful players in years gone by, the 31-year old will now represent Delhi Capitals in IPL 2020. Rahane's departure leaves a void in the Royals' camp with a serious need for a new leader who can take the franchise forward in the 13th edition. Rajasthan do boast of a couple of foreign recruits in their ranks who might be handed the prestigious job of leading the side in the future.
Although Steve Smith lead the side when Rahane decided to step down as captain of the Royals, it was only temporarily. Here are three players who can be named captain for the 2020 season of the IPL.
#3 Ben Stokes
One of the most sought-after cricketers in the world at the moment, Ben Stokes had a remarkable 2019 in international cricket. He has witnessed a purple patch for the majority of the year with the World Cup win being the most highlighted essay of his journey.
His heroics to single-handedly win the Ashes Test at Headingley already sees him as one of the better players to have ever played the game for England. The start to 2019, however, wasn't great for Stokes as he couldn't turn the Jaipur franchise's fortunes around.
The English all-rounder, who was bought by Rajasthan Royals for a whopping price of INR 12.5 Cr in IPL 2018, failed to deliver for his team in both seasons that he has played for them.
However, in IPL 2020, Stokes will arrive with a different reputation and confidence from the immense success behind him in 2019. It won't be surprising if the all-rounder is asked to lead the side in the next season in place of Rahane. He can be one of their key players going forward. Expect him to deliver the goods for the team despite failing in the last two seasons.
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