The exit of Steven Smith from IPL has made way for South African wicket-keeper batsman Heinrich Klaasen to join the Rajasthan Royals squad.
In the wake of the ball-tampering scandal, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday banned disgraced Australian cricketers David Warner and Steven Smith from participating in the 11th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
With Smith out, India’s Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane was given the responsibility to lead Rajasthan Royals.
Talking about Smith’s replacement, RR’s head of cricket, Bharucha told the Times of India, “Our aim was to get someone who can play spin well because we are pretty sure that spinners will have a big role to play during the IPL.”
“Klaasen is an amazing player of spin. And he has a vast array of shots, which tempted us to go for him. He plays the reverse sweep very well, something that will be quite useful in the IPL,” Bharucha further added.
Bharucha also further admitted that when Klaasen was approached for the same, he said yes.
RR’s head of cricket also praised Klaasen’s skills of hitting spinners. In the recently concluded India’s South Africa tour, the way Klaasen countered Indian spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav impressed Bharucha.
“His strategy against them was just amazing,” Bharucha revealed.
Bharucha also announced that former Australian player Steve Smith will be Back in RR squad next year.
“Smith will be back with us next year and we did not want to end up with two similar players. Our idea was to build the team keeping three years in mind. Even after Smith is back, Klaasen will be very useful for us.”