IPL 2019: Brad Hogg feels RR disrespected Ajinkya Rahane by sacking him as captain

Rajasthan Royals are not having a very happy IPL 2019 season. Their inconsistent team strategies, coupled by the inability of experienced Indian players to step up and foreigners not performing to their abilities have meant that the Rajasthan based franchise has been stranded at the last spot in the points table.

One of the main reasons for their failure was Ajinkya Rahane’s loss of form at the beginning of the season. Despite the fact that Rahane has scored a century in this edition, the effort came in a loss and after he had been dumped as the captain of the franchise. RR owners decided to crown Steve Smith the new captain midway through the season, despite the fact that he has to leave for Australia duty.

Brad Hogg makes a bold statement on Rahane’s sacking as RR captain

Ajinkya Rahane led RR to 2 wins and 6 losses in eight matches before being replaced by Smith. However, Smith’s countryman Brad Hogg has mixed feeling about Rahane’s departure as captain. “I do not think Rajasthan Royals have made a right move down there. Even though Steve Smith had a win in his first game as captain, I don’t like the way they treated young Rahane,” Hogg was quoted as saying by Timesnownews.

Hogg, who remains one of the oldest cricketers to play in Indian Premier League, playing for Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders in his career. Rahane, meanwhile, hit a century against Delhi Capitals in Jaipur on April 22. But RR couldn’t win the match, thanks to brilliant innings from Rishabh Pant.

“While Rahane was the captain, there was so much arm-waving from other players within that lineup. When he was trying to talk to his bowlers, other players were coming in. A captain is your captain; he is the one who makes decisions, no one else. I think it was a tough decision on Rahane, and it showed a little bit of disrespect for young Rahane.” added the former Australian chinaman bowler.

Rajasthan Royals never got going in the tournament and despite best efforts from Rahane and other players. With their foreign players Steve Smith, Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer set to join the national team RR are prime contenders to hold the wooden spoon.

[interaction id=”5cc068786fdf9ab7f7e43001″]

Get the latest Cricket News and updates from the Indian Premier League, Match Predictions, Fantasy Cricket Tips and lots more on CricTracker.com.