IPL 2018 (Team Profile): Sans Smith, Rahane-led Royals aim to return with a bang

New Delhi, April 5 (CRICKETNMORE) - Back after serving a two-year ban due to a spot-fixing scandal, inaugural Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Rajasthan Royals will definitely miss the star power of beleaguered former Australian captain Steve Smith but will

But due to the unfortunate turn of events, the 2008 winners will now have to plan without him and by the look of things they have the firepower to pack a punch.

Besides Rahane who has time and again proved he is no pushover when it comes to T20 cricket, Royals have the likes of celebrated England all-rounder Ben Stokes and effective white-ball bowler Jaydev Unadkat, who they bagged for a record Rs 11.5 crore.

Royals also did well in the IPL auction by picking proven performers in other T20 leagues such as the Big Bash League in Australia.

As a result, they have some exciting new faces in the IPL such as D'Arcy Short and Jofra Archer joining a talented bunch of Indian players.

Smith's replacement, South African wicketkeeper batsman Heinrich Klaasen, is downright a handy pick with his impressive show against the Indian spinners in South Africa recently still fresh in memory.