Australia’s veteran batter Steve Smith reckons Rajasthan Royals will be the team to beat in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2024. The inaugural champions won their opening match of the season against Lucknow Super Giants by 20 runs.

RR skipper Sanju Samson led from the front as he scored a fine knock of 82 runs to help his team post a par score of 193 runs on the board. Rajasthan has a potent team as they have all the bases covered. They have a strong opening alliance with Jos Buttler and in-form Yashasvi Jaiswal and they have a good middle order in Sanju Samson, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Rovman Powell, and Shimron Hetmyer.

Furthermore, RR has quality spinners in Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal, who have both got all the experience under their belt.

“Home teams are winning at the moment. I am not ready for them to break the trend just yet. They look the complete team this year. They have got all the bases covered. Their spinners, I’m really keen to watch again. Chahal and Ashwin are outstanding. The two guys up top are potentially the two most destructive in the IPL. If they get going and have an incredible season, they will be hard to beat,” said Smith on Star Sports.

Smith added that Sanju Samson looks in a very good space as a leader. Samson has all the talent in his arsenal and he would want to be more consistent this season.

“He played beautifully, got them the win. He seems to be playing well, looks to be in a very good place. He looks comfortable. He is striking the ball really well. I think his captaincy was outstanding and he would want to continue that form.”

“His seasons in the past have tapered off a bit in the end, and that will be weighing on his mind. To keep that standard up and leading from the front,” said Smith.

Rajasthan Royals will host Delhi Capitals at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium, Jaipur on Thursday.