South Africa's Klaasen replaces Smith at Royals

South Africa's Heinrich Klaasen on Monday replaced Australia's scandal-tainted captain Steve Smith in the Indian Premier League's Rajasthan Royals team for the season that starts this week. Wicketkeeper-batsman Klaasen, who made his one-day and T20 debut against India in February, was signed from the available player pool in a $78,000 deal, the IPL said.

South Africa wicket-keeper batsman Heinrich Klaasen has replaced Steve Smith at Rajasthan Royals. He has a strike-rate of 146.28 in T20s! More ➡️ https://t.co/ZxwTYi6UCo pic.twitter.com/ehx5MQmRbw

— ICC (@ICC) April 2, 2018

The 26-year-old made an immediate impression during South Africa's recent series against India. He was named man of the match in the second ODI. Smith, 28, and his deputy David Warner were banned by Cricket Australia for 12 months over a ball-tampering scandal during the recent third Test against South Africa in Cape Town. The Board of Control for Cricket in India also barred them from the IPL.

"I'm really hoping to make a big impact" The #RoyalSquad is extremely proud to have @Heini22 on board! Which position do you think he should play at?#HallaBol #IPL2018 pic.twitter.com/9A07eIDSZ9

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) April 2, 2018

Smith, who was replaced as the Royals captain, admitted cheating after fielder Cameron Bancroft was caught on television scruffing the ball with sandpaper. Smith returned to Australia after the Cape Town Test and broke down during a press conference, profusely apologising to his teammates and fans. The Royals -- winners of the 2008 inaugural IPL -- travel to Hyderabad in their opening match on April 9.