In what will be a huge blow for Rajasthan Royals, Jofra Archer has been ruled out of three months due to a stress fracture on his right elbow. Adding to their woes, several overseas players including skipper Steven Smith might be missing a few games (initially as well as towards the end during playoffs) due to their international commitments.

Australia’s three-match T20I series against New Zealand ends on March 29 while Rajasthan Royals play their first match of this season on April 2nd&#8211; an away fixture against Chennai Super Kings. Hence, we might expect Smith to miss at least the opening game for his franchise.

Moreover, Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes will also be busy in the two-match away Test series against Sri Lanka which ends on March 31. Hence, a majority of their key overseas players wouldn’t be available for the first two games. Also, England players might have to skip the playoff stages (if RR qualifies) as they will be joining the national squad for the three-match Test series against West Indies at home from June 4.

On that note, let us look at three players who can lead Rajasthan Royals in Steven Smith’s absence:

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-350858" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/CT_362562.jpg" alt="IPL" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-350858" class="wp-caption-text">Jaydev Unadkat. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption>

Unadkat joined Rajasthan Royals for an astronomical price tag of INR 11.50 crore ahead of season eleven. Despite being released ahead of the 2019 IPL auction he was bought back by the Jaipur-based franchise for whopping INR 8.4 crore. But the left-arm seamer couldn’t justify his price tag on both the occasions managing 11 wickets and 10 wickets in 2018 and 2019 editions respectively.

Due to his lacklustre performance, he was once again released ahead of season thirteen auction but was bought back by the Royals for a comparatively lesser price of INR 3 crore. Having failed to make an impact in the last two seasons, the 28-year-old who is currently the third-highest wicket-taker in the ongoing 2019-20 Ranji Trophy with 51 scalps will be hoping to replicate his performance in the 2020 IPL.

Moreover, the Saurashtra skipper who is currently leading his team against Andhra in the Ranji quarterfinal must be ready to take up the additional responsibility of leading Rajasthan Royals in Steven Smith’s absence during the upcoming edition of IPL.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-315030" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/David-Miller.jpg" alt="David Miller" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-315030" class="wp-caption-text">David Miller. (Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images/Getty Images)</figcaption>

The explosive David Miller who spent eight seasons at Kings XI Punjab (2012-2019) hasn’t had a memorable IPL stint in the past four seasons. A move away from Mohali was an expected one given his poor outing at Punjab and the Protea batsman will be hoping to renew his IPL future with some memorable performances for the Rajasthan Royals in the upcoming IPL edition.

Given his batting credentials and experience, it was a bargain buy for the Royals who bought him at his base price of just INR 75 lakhs at 2020 IPL auction. Despite his poor run, a lot will be expected from the southpaw who has 1850 IPL runs as a majority of the franchise’s players (from <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/3-teams-that-can-give-tough-fight-to-england-in-t20-world-cup-2020/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">England </a>and Australia) will be away for a few games due to the international commitments.

Hence, the 30-year-old has to step-up and contribute with the willow for his side during those matches to bolster the batting line-up. Adding to it, Miller who has captained Kings XI Punjab in the past might also have to take the additional responsibility as Rajasthan’s captain if the management decides to deploy him due to his IPL experience and Steve Smith’s absence.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-138483" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Robin-Uthappa-2.jpg" alt="Robin Uthappa" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-138483" class="wp-caption-text">Robin Uthappa. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption>

Uthappa who spent six seasons at Kolkata Knight Riders (2014-2019) was bought by the Rajasthan Royals for INR 3 crore at 2020 IPL auction. Given his batting credentials and excellent glovework behind the stumps, Uthappa’s addition will be a massive boost to the Royals’ line-up which really needed a versatile and an established Indian player who could add fire-power.

The former Karnataka batsman who is currently serving as <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/jasprit-bumrah-to-prove-his-fitness-in-ranji-trophy-game-against-kerala/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kerala</a>’s limited-overs skippers in the Indian domestic circuit is one of the very few players to have maintained the consistency throughout 12 seasons of IPL so far. The 34-year-old who has 4411 IPL runs under his belt has proved on several occasions as to why he is one of the best match-winners in the IPL.

Given his fitness level, he has several years cricket left in him before calling it a day. Uthappa will be hoping to continue his good run in 2020 IPL as well having joined a brand new franchise. Apart from serving as a batsman, he might also have to don another role at Rajasthan Royals this season, one he is quite used to – the captain of the Royals! Given his immense experience, Uthappa seems to be the best bet to lead Royals in Smith&#8217;s absence from the XI.

In what will be a huge blow for Rajasthan Royals, Jofra Archer has been ruled out of three months due to a stress fracture on his right elbow. Adding to their woes, several overseas players including skipper Steven Smith might be missing a few games (initially as well as towards the end during playoffs) due to their international commitments.
Australia’s three-match T20I series against New Zealand ends on March 29 while Rajasthan Royals play their first match of this season on April 2nd– an away fixture against Chennai Super Kings. Hence, we might expect Smith to miss at least the opening game for his franchise.
Moreover, Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes will also be busy in the two-match away Test series against Sri Lanka which ends on March 31. Hence, a majority of their key overseas players wouldn’t be available for the first two games. Also, England players might have to skip the playoff stages (if RR qualifies) as they will be joining the national squad for the three-match Test series against West Indies at home from June 4.
On that note, let us look at three players who can lead Rajasthan Royals in Steven Smith’s absence:
<h3>3. Jaydev Unadkat</h3>
<figure id="attachment_350858" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-350858" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-350858" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/CT_362562.jpg" alt="IPL" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-350858" class="wp-caption-text">Jaydev Unadkat. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
Unadkat joined Rajasthan Royals for an astronomical price tag of INR 11.50 crore ahead of season eleven. Despite being released ahead of the 2019 IPL auction he was bought back by the Jaipur-based franchise for whopping INR 8.4 crore. But the left-arm seamer couldn’t justify his price tag on both the occasions managing 11 wickets and 10 wickets in 2018 and 2019 editions respectively.
Due to his lacklustre performance, he was once again released ahead of season thirteen auction but was bought back by the Royals for a comparatively lesser price of INR 3 crore. Having failed to make an impact in the last two seasons, the 28-year-old who is currently the third-highest wicket-taker in the ongoing 2019-20 Ranji Trophy with 51 scalps will be hoping to replicate his performance in the 2020 IPL.
Moreover, the Saurashtra skipper who is currently leading his team against Andhra in the Ranji quarterfinal must be ready to take up the additional responsibility of leading Rajasthan Royals in Steven Smith’s absence during the upcoming edition of IPL.

<h3>2. David Miller</h3>
<figure id="attachment_315030" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-315030" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-315030" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/David-Miller.jpg" alt="David Miller" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-315030" class="wp-caption-text">David Miller. (Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
The explosive David Miller who spent eight seasons at Kings XI Punjab (2012-2019) hasn’t had a memorable IPL stint in the past four seasons. A move away from Mohali was an expected one given his poor outing at Punjab and the Protea batsman will be hoping to renew his IPL future with some memorable performances for the Rajasthan Royals in the upcoming IPL edition.
Given his batting credentials and experience, it was a bargain buy for the Royals who bought him at his base price of just INR 75 lakhs at 2020 IPL auction. Despite his poor run, a lot will be expected from the southpaw who has 1850 IPL runs as a majority of the franchise’s players (from <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/3-teams-that-can-give-tough-fight-to-england-in-t20-world-cup-2020/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">England </a>and Australia) will be away for a few games due to the international commitments.
Hence, the 30-year-old has to step-up and contribute with the willow for his side during those matches to bolster the batting line-up. Adding to it, Miller who has captained Kings XI Punjab in the past might also have to take the additional responsibility as Rajasthan’s captain if the management decides to deploy him due to his IPL experience and Steve Smith’s absence.

<h3>1. Robin Uthappa</h3>
<figure id="attachment_138483" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-138483" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-138483" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Robin-Uthappa-2.jpg" alt="Robin Uthappa" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-138483" class="wp-caption-text">Robin Uthappa. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Uthappa who spent six seasons at Kolkata Knight Riders (2014-2019) was bought by the Rajasthan Royals for INR 3 crore at 2020 IPL auction. Given his batting credentials and excellent glovework behind the stumps, Uthappa’s addition will be a massive boost to the Royals’ line-up which really needed a versatile and an established Indian player who could add fire-power.
The former Karnataka batsman who is currently serving as <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/jasprit-bumrah-to-prove-his-fitness-in-ranji-trophy-game-against-kerala/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kerala</a>’s limited-overs skippers in the Indian domestic circuit is one of the very few players to have maintained the consistency throughout 12 seasons of IPL so far. The 34-year-old who has 4411 IPL runs under his belt has proved on several occasions as to why he is one of the best match-winners in the IPL.
Given his fitness level, he has several years cricket left in him before calling it a day. Uthappa will be hoping to continue his good run in 2020 IPL as well having joined a brand new franchise. Apart from serving as a batsman, he might also have to don another role at Rajasthan Royals this season, one he is quite used to – the captain of the Royals! Given his immense experience, Uthappa seems to be the best bet to lead Royals in Smith’s absence from the XI.

In what will be a huge blow for Rajasthan Royals, Jofra Archer has been ruled out of three months due to a stress fracture on his right elbow. Adding to their woes, several overseas players including skipper Steven Smith might be missing a few games (initially as well as towards the end during playoffs) due to their international commitments.
Australia’s three-match T20I series against New Zealand ends on March 29 while Rajasthan Royals play their first match of this season on April 2nd&#8211; an away fixture against Chennai Super Kings. Hence, we might expect Smith to miss at least the opening game for his franchise.
Moreover, Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes will also be busy in the two-match away Test series against Sri Lanka which ends on March 31. Hence, a majority of their key overseas players wouldn’t be available for the first two games. Also, England players might have to skip the playoff stages (if RR qualifies) as they will be joining the national squad for the three-match Test series against West Indies at home from June 4.
On that note, let us look at three players who can lead Rajasthan Royals in Steven Smith’s absence:
<h3>3. Jaydev Unadkat</h3>
<figure id="attachment_350858" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-350858" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-350858" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/CT_362562.jpg" alt="IPL" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-350858" class="wp-caption-text">Jaydev Unadkat. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
Unadkat joined Rajasthan Royals for an astronomical price tag of INR 11.50 crore ahead of season eleven. Despite being released ahead of the 2019 IPL auction he was bought back by the Jaipur-based franchise for whopping INR 8.4 crore. But the left-arm seamer couldn’t justify his price tag on both the occasions managing 11 wickets and 10 wickets in 2018 and 2019 editions respectively.
Due to his lacklustre performance, he was once again released ahead of season thirteen auction but was bought back by the Royals for a comparatively lesser price of INR 3 crore. Having failed to make an impact in the last two seasons, the 28-year-old who is currently the third-highest wicket-taker in the ongoing 2019-20 Ranji Trophy with 51 scalps will be hoping to replicate his performance in the 2020 IPL.
Moreover, the Saurashtra skipper who is currently leading his team against Andhra in the Ranji quarterfinal must be ready to take up the additional responsibility of leading Rajasthan Royals in Steven Smith’s absence during the upcoming edition of IPL.

<h3>2. David Miller</h3>
<figure id="attachment_315030" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-315030" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-315030" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/David-Miller.jpg" alt="David Miller" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-315030" class="wp-caption-text">David Miller. (Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
The explosive David Miller who spent eight seasons at Kings XI Punjab (2012-2019) hasn’t had a memorable IPL stint in the past four seasons. A move away from Mohali was an expected one given his poor outing at Punjab and the Protea batsman will be hoping to renew his IPL future with some memorable performances for the Rajasthan Royals in the upcoming IPL edition.
Given his batting credentials and experience, it was a bargain buy for the Royals who bought him at his base price of just INR 75 lakhs at 2020 IPL auction. Despite his poor run, a lot will be expected from the southpaw who has 1850 IPL runs as a majority of the franchise’s players (from <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/3-teams-that-can-give-tough-fight-to-england-in-t20-world-cup-2020/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">England </a>and Australia) will be away for a few games due to the international commitments.
Hence, the 30-year-old has to step-up and contribute with the willow for his side during those matches to bolster the batting line-up. Adding to it, Miller who has captained Kings XI Punjab in the past might also have to take the additional responsibility as Rajasthan’s captain if the management decides to deploy him due to his IPL experience and Steve Smith’s absence.

<h3>1. Robin Uthappa</h3>
<figure id="attachment_138483" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-138483" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-138483" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Robin-Uthappa-2.jpg" alt="Robin Uthappa" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-138483" class="wp-caption-text">Robin Uthappa. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Uthappa who spent six seasons at Kolkata Knight Riders (2014-2019) was bought by the Rajasthan Royals for INR 3 crore at 2020 IPL auction. Given his batting credentials and excellent glovework behind the stumps, Uthappa’s addition will be a massive boost to the Royals’ line-up which really needed a versatile and an established Indian player who could add fire-power.
The former Karnataka batsman who is currently serving as <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/jasprit-bumrah-to-prove-his-fitness-in-ranji-trophy-game-against-kerala/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kerala</a>’s limited-overs skippers in the Indian domestic circuit is one of the very few players to have maintained the consistency throughout 12 seasons of IPL so far. The 34-year-old who has 4411 IPL runs under his belt has proved on several occasions as to why he is one of the best match-winners in the IPL.
Given his fitness level, he has several years cricket left in him before calling it a day. Uthappa will be hoping to continue his good run in 2020 IPL as well having joined a brand new franchise. Apart from serving as a batsman, he might also have to don another role at Rajasthan Royals this season, one he is quite used to – the captain of the Royals! Given his immense experience, Uthappa seems to be the best bet to lead Royals in Smith&#8217;s absence from the XI.

IPL 2020: 3 players who can lead Rajasthan Royals in Steve Smith’s absence

Australia’s three-match T20I series against New Zealand ends on March 29 while Rajasthan Royals play their first match of this season on April 2nd.

1. Robin Uthappa