Right-handed Indian batsman Ajinkya Rahane, who was appointed captain of the Rajasthan Royals (RR) for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), has expressed his happiness over leading a side which means "family" to him.
Rahane was named the team's skipper after Australian batsman Steve Smith post the ball-tampering episode in the Cape Town Test against South Africa.
"I am very excited to be captaining the team that I have always considered as my family. I would extend my thanks to the entire management of Rajasthan Royals for having shown the trust in me and considered me for this role," Rahane said.
"I am thrilled to be back with the Royals again and I am ready to get to work and do all that I can, to ensure we go all out and give our best. We won't miss a beat as we gear up for yet another exciting IPL season in a few days from now."
He was brought by the franchise for Rs 4 crore through a Right-to-Match card.
Rahane played for the Royals from 2011 to 2015 until the franchise was suspended for two seasons by the BCCI following a match-fixing scandal.
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The 29-year-old had earlier captained Team India Dharamsala Test against Australia to win the series 2-1.
The 11th edition of the IPL will start from April 7. Rajasthan Royals are scheduled to play their first match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 9.
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