Having been welcomed with open arms by his national teammates in Dubai, Steve Smith on Sunday touched down in Jaipur to join his IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals' pre-tournament camp ahead of league starting March 23.
With an aim to get back in the Australian side for the World Cup, Smith is expected to raise his game for the Royals and franchise's brand ambassador Shane Warne knows that the former skipper will be "as hungry as ever".
"He (Smith) will be so excited to turn up and play cricket. That's what he loves doing and that's what he is very very good at. Smith and Warner are two of the best players in world cricket, I think Smith will be giving a lot and integrate with the team," Warne said.
With rising sensation Ashton Turner unavailable for first three games for Royals due to international commitment against Pakistan, Smith along with Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler and Jofra Archer will be key overseas players for the 2008 champions.
Playing for Rajasthan Royals will be a huge thing for Smith as this is the only cricket he will be playing before World Cup, where he will make an international comeback.
"Having Smith's experience around and his hunger and passion as the only cricket that is before World Cup, will be a big thing for him. I have no doubt that Smith and Warner will get back to their best as they were before," Warne said.
