This instantly fueled rumours about his potential position in the upcoming IPL event, which begins in a few days. On Monday, Smith pleasantly surprised the crowd by announcing his participation in the tournament without specifying in what capacity.
“Namaste India, I’ve got some exciting news for you, I am joining IPL 2023. Yes that’s right, I am joining an exceptional and passionate team in India,” Steve Smith said in a clip shared on Twitter.
Just days before the first match, Smith’s news drove fan bases into a frenzy as many hoped he would sign with their team. Many fans, however, predicted that Smith would not participate at all, but rather join the commentary team.
On April 1, the IPL will officially begin, and rumours indicate that Smith will serve as a pundit and impart his vast knowledge of cricket. The fact that Virat Kohli, Joe Root, Kane Williamson, and Smith will all play in an IPL competition for the first time was another point of emphasis.
Smith last joined the Dehli Capitals in 2021 and has since played for four different IPL teams. He began his career in 2012 with the Pune Warriors before spending two seasons with the Rajasthan Royals.
Before returning to the Royals and serving as team captain in 2020, Steve Smith assisted in guiding the Rising Pune Supergiants to the championship in 2017. However, the latest opening auction for this year’s tournament saw Aussie vice-captain Smith go unsold, before he withdrew his name.
Regrettably, Australian Pat Cummins won’t be joining an IPL side after he pulled out of the competition owing to the added comittment of taking on the Test leadership job for his nation.