The Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Saturday removed Ajinkya Rahane as their skipper following the team's disappointing performance in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 so far. Steve Smith will be the captain of RR for the remaining of the season.

"Rajasthan Royals will be led by the Australian batsman Steven Smith for the upcoming matches of the IPL. Ajinkya Rahane did a fantastic job in leading the team to the playoffs last year, however, the franchisee now thinks a fresh approach is needed to bring their 2019 campaign back on track," said RR in a press statement on Saturday. RR are now tied with Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the bottom of the IPL points table.

However, Steve Smith is scheduled to leave RR to join his national team by May 1 and as a result; Rahane could still lead the RR in the last league match.