Steve Smith to return home after RCB game
Royals will also miss Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer in the remaining three group games as the England internationals will join their national side in the training camp for the upcoming World Cup.
Royals will also miss Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer in the remaining three group games as the England internationals will join their national side in the training camp for the upcoming World Cup.
Royals will also miss Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer in the remaining three group games as the England internationals will join their national side in the training camp for the upcoming World Cup.
Kolkata: Rajasthan Royals skipper Steve Smith will leave the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) after his team's match against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on April 30 and will join the Australian team for World Cup preparation.
Smith revealed this after the game against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), which his side won by three wickets, at the Eden Gardens here on Thursday.
Royals will also miss Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer in the remaining three group games as the England internationals will join their national side in the training camp for the upcoming World Cup slated to be held from May 30.
"We lose a few players now. Jofra and Stokesy (Stokes) are off tonight, they go back to England now - two big holes to fill. I am here for 13 games. After the Bangalore one, I'll be heading back. Hopefully, I can contribute and see if we can get few more wins," said Smith in the post-match presentation ceremony.
On Thursday, Royals secured their fourth win and kept their chances afloat of making it to the play-offs. Chasing 176, Royals rode on some matured and skillful batting from Riyan Parag, who kept his calm and composure to see his side cross the line.
During the chase, the visitors were down in the dumps at 98/5 after 13 overs before 17-year old Parag -- who was dropped on a duck by Sunil Narine (2/25) off his own bowling -- came of age with a 31-ball 47 (5x4, 2x6).
Archer also smacked a 12-ball 27 (2x4, 2x6) not out as Royals reached the target with four balls to spare.
"We made it difficult for ourselves. We lost too many wickets in the middle section after a good start. Riyan Parag is an impressive young man. He played a very composed knock like a seasoned campaigner. There were great contributions from Gopal and Archer too," Smith said.
"Varun Aaron was exceptional with the new ball," said Smith while praising Aaron who had a brilliant opening bust while ending with figures of (2/20).
Royals, standing seventh in the points table, will now host Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Saturday.