Ball tampering case: Steve Smith steps down as RR captain, Rahane to lead in IPL 11

New Delhi : Australian skipper Steve Smith on Monday stepped down as captain of Rajasthan Royals for the upcoming season of Indian Premier League, after controversies around him in the recent ball tampering case during South Africa Test match.

Ajinkya Rahane, the India batsman, has been chosen to replace Smith as the skipper for Rajasthan Royals. Zubin Bharucha, Royals' head of cricket, confirmed the news via a media release on Monday (March 26).

Steve Smith had admitted to his involvement in the ball tampering allegations during the Test match against South Africa.

"The incident in Cape Town has certainly disturbed the cricketing world. We have been in constant touch with the BCCI and taken their counsel. Furthermore, we have been in regular contact with Steve," Bharucha said.

Bharucha also stated that it was Smith's decision to step down from the position "in the best interest of the Rajasthan Royals" and ensure that "the team can get ready for the start of the IPL without the ongoing distractions."

The Rajasthan Royals will play their first IPL match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 9 this year.