Shane Warne summed up the injury to Graeme Smith, which will keep him out of the Indian Premier League final, as “a huge loss” forcing the team to change their plans.
Warne’s Jaipur-based Rajasthan Royals team, favourites to come last in the eight-team standings before the tournament, topped the league and will play Chennai in the final in Mumbai on Sunday after beating the Delhi DareDevils in the semi-final.
South Africa captain Smith has been one of the most prolific batsmen in the competition and the hamstring injury he suffered in the semi-final will force the Royals to alter their approach or at least their personnel.
Pakistanis Kamran Akmal and Younis Khan are both candidates for the opening berth.
“It's unfortunate Graeme Smith has got injured,” Warne told reporters ahead of the final. “It's a huge loss for us. He's been in good form and one of the reasons for us being in the final.
“He's formed a successful opening combination with Swapnil Asnodkar, whom we call a Goa cannon.
”We have not yet decided who will open the innings tomorrow. We expect that person to step on to the plate and do well.”
The winning team will collect $1.2 million.
Gaming - 
