IPL 2018: South African Heinrich Klassen replaces Steve Smith in Rajasthan Royals squad

In a good move by Rajasthan Royals franchise, South African young wicketkeeper and hard-hitting batsmen Heinrich Klassen has been named as a replacement for Steve Smith in the 11^th edition of IPL 2018 starting from 7^th April 2018.

Steve Smith stepped down from captaincy for Rajasthan Royals franchise this season after serving a 1-year ban regarding ball tampering case during the 3^rd test match at Cape Town. In the 2018 auction, Rajasthan Royals announced Smith as captain. Rajasthan Royals will be now captained by Rahane.

Heinrich Klassen has been bought by Rajasthan Royals franchise for RS 50 Lakhs from the Registered and Available Pool List. In the 2018 auctions, Klassen went unsold.

Klassen made his ODI debut for South Africa against India on 7^th February 2018. His best knock came in the Pink Ball ODI at Johannesburg on 10^th February. In that match, Klassen scored a quick fire 43 off 27 balls chasing a revised target of 202 runs in 28 overs. South Africa won that match by 5 wickets with 15 balls to spare.

He again showed his brilliance with the bat in the 2^nd T20I against India at Centurion. Klassen smashed the Indian bowling attack scoring 69 off 30 balls with 3 fours and 7 sixes with a strike rate of 230.00. South Africa won that match by 6 wickets with 8 balls to spare.

Klassen played so far 4 ODI matches and 3 T20I’s matches for South Africa. He was selected in the first two test matches against Australia.

Heinrich Klassen will be playing his first Indian Premier League tournament and hoping to make a big impact with the bat. South African batsmen with giving options for Rajasthan Royals franchise as wicketkeeper options.

NEWS: South Africa's Heinrich Klaasen to replace Steve Smith in @rajasthanroyals' squad for VIVO IPL 2018.

More details here – https://t.co/pw3YmNuQrh pic.twitter.com/qbDiOOptn6

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 2, 2018

Steve Smith has been banned by Cricket Australia for 12 months regarding his role for ball tampering.

Rajasthan Royals play their first match of the tournament against Sunrisers Hyderabad on 9^th April at Hyderabad.