IPL 2020 : “Steve Smith is the main issue for Rajasthan Royals,” Gambhir suggests a much-needed change for RR

Gautam Gambhir and Steve Smith

With thumping 8 wicket win over table-toppers Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals have rejuvenated their playoff hopes. With Ben Stokes, who scored a terrific ton, and Sanju Samson returning to form, RR will be hopeful of putting up a good fight for the fourth position. But it is the fast bowling department which remains a source of concerns for the men in pink.

Former Indian Gautam Gambhir has come up with an interesting analogy. Gambhir opines that Steve Smith is the source of real concern in the side and he should drop himself. Smith despite having a great start to the season with two consecutive fifties have struggled to get going thereafter. Smith has only 276 runs in 12 innings so far.

Smith should drop himself, says Gambhir

Gambhir feels that the Indian pacers in the side are not able to complement Jofra Archer and hence the team is not able to use him efficiently. The former Delhi opener points out that Archer is lethal with the new ball but the side cannot use him for an extra over in the powerplay due to lack of depth in bowling.

So he suggests bringing in a foreign pacer who can assist Archer to replace Smith.

Also read : IPL 2020: Twitter reacts to Jofra Archer’s stunning one-handed catch

“I think Steve Smith is the main issue for Rajasthan Royals, let’s be honest. I have been saying it from Day 1,” Gambhir said on ESPNCricinfo. “Steve Smith drops himself and RR can pick themselves Oshane Thomas or any other overseas seamer in his place alongside Jofra Archer. His performance will go up.”

“Whoever is the captain can use Archer in a better way. I remember the game against Delhi Capitals – they were 10/2. And they had only used 2 overs from Jofra Archer. If they had one more overseas pacer, they could have bowled 3 overs from Archer in the first six – and try and actually seal the game then and there. Just because you know there is not enough depth and quality apart from Jofra Archer, so you have to only use 2 overs from Archer,” Gambhir added.

Smith proved Gambhir’s point last night as he succumbed for just 11 runs against MI last night. But RR were able tosecure a comfortable victory thanks to a 152 run stand between Stokes and Samson.

Also read : IPL 2020: RR skipper Steve Smith ‘very pleased’ after a brilliant run chase against Mumbai Indians