New Delhi:
The twelfth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to begin today with Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) taking on Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore at the iconic M.A Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. On the eve of the first game, the team which made a comeback last season – Rajasthan Royals are back in the pink health for the upcoming season – literally.
The franchise coupled with their title sponsors organized a ‘Jersey Launch’ event in Jaipur. In their new pink jersey – signifying their Pink City origin is all set for a cracking show under the stewardship of skipper Ajinkya Rahane, much charged up for the upcoming tournament. At the time of jersey revealing, the likes of Jaydev Unadkat, Steve Smith, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, and Sanju Samson were present who launched the jersey of 2019 edition of the Indian Premier League.
With this, News Nation asked Steve Smith as to how important will this tournament be for him personally having known that the Australian sensation hasn't played much cricket since March 2018.
On this, Smith asserted, "Hopefully I will help Royals to win some game of cricket, that's my ultimate goal and that's the reason I am here. I believe we have a pretty strong squad and really looking forward to standing on the field. Hopefully, we as a team will have an ultimate season and can contribute through my bat."
After being suspended from all forms of cricket post sandpaper incident in South Africa, Smith has played T20 leagues in Canada, Caribbean, and Bangladesh but Indian Premier League will altogether be a different experience with World Cup and Ashes around the corner. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals will be up against Kinga XI Punjab at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur on March 25. Smith will be available for selection from the first game itself even when the ban will uplift on March 29.
