Steven Smith (Source – Getty Images)
Australian batter and former captain, Steven Smith, has recently voiced his eagerness to rekindle his association with the Indian Premier League. Renowned for his impeccable technique and leadership qualities, Smith has carved out a distinguished career on the international stage, particularly in the red-ball and ODI formats. Over the years, he has become synonymous with excellence, consistently delivering match-winning performances and cementing his place as one of the most formidable batsmen in world cricket.
His return to the IPL would undoubtedly be a significant event, rekindling memories of his previous stints in the tournament, where he showcased his exceptional skill set and tactical acumen. As a player who has always commanded respect and admiration, Smith’s potential return to the IPL is likely to generate substantial interest and excitement among fans and franchises alike.
In a recent pronouncement to media outlets, Smith articulated his fervent desire to re-enter the IPL and reaffirm his impact on the competition, reminiscent of his previous contributions up until 2021. Since then, Smith has faced a notable absence from the auction lists for three consecutive seasons, a situation attributed to widespread skepticism among franchises regarding his suitability for the evolving demands of T20 cricket.
Steven Smith said, “I’d love to be part of the IPL once again. I’ll be putting my name in the auction”. (Daniel Cherny/CODE Sports). pic.twitter.com/12xVUzIWQK
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 14, 2024
Many teams questioned whether Smith still possessed the requisite dynamism and explosive qualities essential for the increasingly batter-centric nature of the IPL, especially with the recent introduction of the Impact Player rule. Despite these concerns, Smith remains resolute in his aspiration to demonstrate that he can once again thrive in the league, leveraging his extensive experience and renowned skill set to make a compelling return to the T20 arena.
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To date, Smith has accumulated 103 appearances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and has represented a total of six franchises, with his most recent stint being with the Delhi Capitals under the stewardship of former Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting. Throughout his IPL career, Smith has amassed a commendable 2,485 runs at an impressive strike rate of 128.09.