Who can fill the big boots of Smith and Warner in IPL 2018?

A lot has happened since the dramatic turn of events on Day 3 of the Newlands Test involving Australia and South Africa, on March 24. An offence caught on camera, a confession-filled press conference, an ICC verdict with suspension and fines, a Cricket Australia investigation, press conferences and the announcement of an eventual ban for the trio of Steven Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft. On the same day, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) too decided to act tough with Smith and Warner, denying them the opportunity to take part in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League.

Undoubtedly, the two - Smith the captain of Rajasthan Royals and Warner the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad - leave behind big craters in their franchise's team composition, and with a big decision to make on a possible replacement.

Here's what the franchises lost, and a few options they could look at to fill the void:

The CA verdict has figuratively reached out to SRH and ripped their heart out. That the 2016 champions will be severely hit without Warner might just be the understatement of the season. Besides being the leader of a side that didn't boast of many big names in the last couple of seasons when they've played their best cricket, Warner is also their biggest source of runs at the top of the order. And quick runs, at that. So, it is imperative that SRH look for a like-for-like replacement - a top-order batsman who can smash it in the first six overs, at the very least.

The last time Luke Ronchi featured in IPL, he was still representing Australia at the international stage and the world was only just warming up to the idea of the T20 league. Both IPL and Ronchi have turned a decade older since, but the soon-to-be 37-year-old could be a great short-term fix for SRH. The opener topped the batting charts at PSL with 435 runs [five 50s] at a strike rate of 182.00, and was one of the biggest reasons for Islamabad United's second title win. SRH could use his sort of consistency.

The South African is a proven hit as a replacement player, if there should be one such category. He arrived at KXIP midway through 2016 in place of an injured Shaun Marsh, and did enough for the franchise to keep hold of him for 2017. In his second season in the IPL, Amla peeled off two centuries, scoring 420 runs in 10 games at a strike rate of 145.83. Amla fits the bill quite well for SRH - senior figure, scores quick runs and opens. However, would he be available? He has already signed a deal with Hampshire to feature in the county season. Can he re-work his deal to fit in an IPL stint?

A bit of a left-field move, but hard to put it beyond a franchise that has been at its shrewdest best in the last few player auctions. With a middle-order that looks a lot more solid than what they had last season, a punt on the free-spirited Afghanistan opener may not be too risky a call. Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi can make him feel right at home, while he attempts to fill massive boots at the top of the batting order.

Steven Smith comes with great captaincy as well as batting credentials, and was the leading run-scorer for Rising Pune Supergiant in the 2017 campaign where they finished runners-up. The absence of his service means there is a hole to fill in the top-four, but Rajasthan Royals could also perhaps, consider using this replacement option to beef up a relatively inexperienced spin department. If they believe that their current batting riches can cover for Smith, they could take a leaf out of RCB's 2011 books [replaced an injured Dirk Nannes with Chris Gayle!] and make a sensible, season-turning addition.

Sensible addition aside, however, Ronchi's current stocks should place him right at the top of RR's list too. His signature could also provide cover for D'Arcy Short, if the big-hitting Aussie doesn't live up to the massive expectations.

Time for the English skipper to dig into the famed IPL pie? Well, why not? Root may not be the flashiest batsmen around, but packs qualities very similar to Smith's - a strike rate close to 130 and an astute mind of a leader on the field. Worth a shot.

That two years in the wilderness can make a world of change was evident from the way Rajasthan Royals positioned themselves in the player auctions. The most expensive player - Ben Stokes - was theirs, as was the most expensive India buy - Jaydev Unadkat. They kept their aggressive approach going throughout the two-day process, and yet their strong squad on paper appears to be missing a key T20 operator - an experienced spin bowler.

With Krishnappa Gowtham as their front-line spinner, the Royals could use Smith's replacement card and turn to a seasoned tweaker. Windies' 37-year-old Samuel Badree could be a viable option. Badree, who picked nine wickets in seven games last season [including a four-fer], has proven to be a hard bowler to pick off the hand and sits at fourth spot on the T20I bowlers' charts. He may have not enjoyed the best time in this year's CPL, but there could be merit to his selection.

The Australian was never first choice in the two IPL seasons he played, but still has 19 wickets in 11 games. An economy rate of under 8 an over isn't too shabby either, considering he is a wicket-taking option. The 25-year-old - who bowls a lot like Shane Warne - has also had the privilege [thanks to geographical advantage] of picking the brains of the spin wizard in the past. Royals might just benefit from such occurrences again.

The England international who is looking to embrace the white ball a lot more in the coming season, can be an out-of-the-box pick for the Royals.