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IPL's Rajasthan Royals replace Steve Smith with Heinrich Klaasen

Monday 2 April 2018 11:59, UK

South African batsman Heinrich Klaasen plays a shot during the first T20I cricket match between South Africa and India at The Wanderers Cricket Stadium in
Image: Heinrich Klaasen has taken Steve Smith's spot at Rajasthan Royals

Indian Premier League franchise the Rajasthan Royals have confirmed South Africa wicketkeeper-batsman Heinrich Klaasen as Steve Smith's replacement.

The IPL banned Smith, who had earlier stepped down as captain of the Royals, and Australia team-mate David Warner from playing in this year's tournament in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa.

The decision ends England captain Joe Root's chances of playing in the IPL. He went unsold in January's auction.

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Klaasen was bought for a modest 5 million Indian rupees (£55,000) to replace Smith, who Rajasthan had retained for £1.3m, for the eight-team tournament.

He has played three Twenty20 internationals for South Africa, with a top score of 69 off 30 balls against India.

India middle-order batsman Ajinkya Rahane will captain the Royals, who begin their campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 9, live on Sky Sports Cricket.

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Warner, who quit as Sunrisers Hyderabad captain following the scandal in South Africa, has been replaced by England opener Alex Hales.

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