Rajasthan Royals skipper Steve Smith revealed that he will be leaving for Australia after his team’s match against Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 30. With the ICC World Cup 2019 just round the corner, most Indian Premier League (IPL) sides will be without their foreign players who will be joining their national sides.

“We lose a few players now. Jofra (Archer) and Stokesy (Ben Stokes) are off tonight, they go back to England now - two big holes to fill. I am here for 13 games. After the Bangalore one, I’ll be heading back. Hopefully, I can contribute and see if we can get few more wins,” Smith said at the post-match presentation ceremony after win over KKR.

Royals are more affected than some of the other teams in the competition with the absence of Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler and Joffra Archer, who have left for England to join the ICC World Cup 2019 camp.

Earlier, RR secured their fourth win of the ongoing IPL edition and kept their chances afloat of making it to the play-offs. Chasing 176, Royals rode on some matured and skillful batting from Riyan Parag, who kept his calm and composure to see his side cross the line.

During the chase, the visitors were down in the dumps at 98/5 after 13 overs before 17-year old Parag -- who was dropped on a duck by Sunil Narine (2/25) off his own bowling -- came of age with a 31-ball 47 (5x4, 2x6).

Archer also smacked a 12-ball 27 (2x4; 2x6) not out as Royals reached the target with four balls to spare.

Rajasthan Royals will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in their next match of the IPL 2019 on Saturday.

(with agency inputs)

First Published: Apr 26, 2019 16:56 IST