IPL 2023: Steve Smith picks his top four teams ahead of upcoming edition

Steve Smith Press Conference. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Former Rajasthan Royals skipper Steve Smith announced his participation in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League after he joined Star Sports’ expert panel for IPL 2023. Smith, who recently guided Australia to a famous ODI series triumph against India, revealed his top four IPL teams ahead of the upcoming tournament.

Australian batting ace Steve Smith, who will be seen in a new avatar in the upcoming edition of the IPL, picked his top four teams in the competition in a chat with Star Sports. Four-time IPL winners Chennai Super Kings (CSK) was his top pick, with defending champions Gujarat Titans being his second team. Last year’s newcomers Lucknow Super Giants was his third choice, while Sunrisers Hyderabad concluded his top four.

While the Australian ace’s exploits in the field will be missed by the fans in the 16th edition of the tournament, he will keep them entertained with his invaluable insights. Smith’s batting exploits came to the fore for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League earlier this year when he smashed back-to-back centuries for his side. He smashed 346 runs in just five matches for the Sixers at a strike rate in excess of 170.

“I think I read the game pretty well so hopefully there will be some good insights for all the people watching IPL out there. I’m certainly excited about joining the Star Sports Team and I’m looking forward to this new experience,” Smith said about his new role ahead of the IPL 2023 opener.

His last appreance in the competition came for the Delhi Capitals in 2021, where he scored 152 runs in eight appreances for the Delhi-based outfit.