Steve Smith elated to be back with Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2018

New Delhi, Jan 4 (CRICKETNMORE) - Australia skipper Steve Smith on Thursday expressed his delight after being retained by the Rajasthan Royals franchise for the 2018 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Smith, the No.1 Test batsman, was the

After retaining India skipper Virat Kohli, South African Ab de Villiers and youngster Sarfaraz Khan for the 2018 season, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) chairman Amrit Thomas said the trio embodies the 'play bold and fearless' outlook that is inherent in the team.

"For the 11th season of IPL, we are pleased to retain Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers and Sarfaraz Khan. Virat has been a part of Royal Challengers Bangalore since the inception of the league, and is the team's captain - on and off the field," Thomas said in a statement. 

"The camaraderie and team work between Virat and AB de Villiers has been the backbone of the team for several seasons and we want to build on that. Sarfaraz is one of the players we believe will rise to great heights, not just in the IPL but in world cricket. 

"We believe that together, Virat, AB de Villers and Sarfaraz embody the ‘play bold and fearless' outlook that is inherent in RCB, and we are excited to retain them for IPL 2018," he added.