Ben Stokes said that the tag was a result of the performance that his team has put up day in and day out over the last few seasons.

Comparing Smith to master blaster Sachin Tendulkar was a huge compliment that also sent out a warning to rivals teams ahead of the World Cup beginning on May 30.

Langer admitted that controlling the crowd is not their hands but urged the fans to treat Warner and Smith as human beings, prone to committing mistakes. 

For the defending champions, the primary selection question centres on how to fit in Aaron Finch, Usman Khawaja and Warner into the top three.

Shreyas Gopal revealed how Steve Smith helped him take the hat-trick wicket of Marcus Stoinis at the M. Chinnaswamy -- his home ground for 10 months in a year.

Langer said one of Smith's goals when he started serving his one-year ban following the 2018 Newlands ball-tampering scandal was to return to the squad in better physical shape.

Back after a year's suspension for his involvement in ball-tampering scandal, Smith was scratchy during 2019 IPL but found his mojo back with unbeaten 89 and 91 against New Zealand.

Australia won the unofficial practice series 2-1, clinching the third game on the Duckworth-Lewis method when bad light stopped play on Friday.

Steve Smith shined with the bat for Australia against New Zealand XI in the second match since his return, but David Warner lasted only six balls. 

Captain Aaron Finch and Usman Khawaja opened the innings for Australia XI despite Steve Smith and David Warner returning to the side after serving their bans.

Australian coach Justin Langer said both Smith and Warner would be part of the leadership group within the World Cup squad.

While Sunrisers Hyderabad batsman Warner had a dream return to the IPL, Smith's journey this season can be easily termed as a mixed bag.

David Warner left IPL 2019 as the highest run-getter with 692 runs from 12 games while Steve Smith's captaincy has given Rajasthan the hope of qualifying for the playoffs.

Rajasthan, with 10 points from 12 games, still have a theoretical chance to make it to the playoffs, provided they do not lose any of their remaining two matches.

While serving their bans, Smith and Warner had participated in several T20 competitions, including in Canada and the Caribbean, in their bid to get play time.

Steve Smith will play his last game of this year's IPL against Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 30 at the M.Chinnaswamy.

Steve Smith said that Rajasthan Royals will miss the England pair of Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes, who also flew to England after the end of the KKR game.

IPL 2019, Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals: Here is the Probable Playing 11 of KKR vs RR and what to expect from the big clash on Thursday night.

Kolkata Knight Riders have suffered five defeats on the trot and one more could virtually end their playoffs chances while Rajasthan Royals will need to win their remaining four to stay in contention mathematically.

Find out which players are most likely to leave the biggest impact during RR vs DC tonight.