He has been priced at a base price of INR 2 crore.
Former Australian skipper Steve Smith is one of those players who can turn out to be a trump card. Although he has gone unsold over the last few years in the mini-auction, he has been a proven contender with the bat and can also take over captaincy duties.
His leadership came to the fore once again earlier this year when he led Washington Freedom to their maiden Major League Cricket (MLC) title. In IPL, Smith had last led the Rajasthan Royals.
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Priced at a base price of INR 2 crore, Smith brings in a wealth of experience, which can spark a bidding war at the IPL 2025 auction in Jeddah.
Let’s take a look at three franchises who can be in the race to get the Aussie’s signature.
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
PBKSe are one of the few teams that are yet to win the title They reached the final in the 2014 edition but succumbed to Kolkata Knight Riders in the summit clash.
The Punjab-based outfit could thus be one of the teams that will go after Steve Smith as they need an experienced campaigner who will be able to tick the boxes in captaincy and batting and the Aussie fits the bill quite perfectly.
Also, with Ricky Ponting recently taking on the role of head coach, the partnership between him and Smith could be crucial in this potential acquisition. Ponting has consistently spoken highly of Smith, commending his cricketing acumen and his ability to adapt during matches.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
Sanjiv Goenka-owned LSG might be another possible team for Steve Smith. Goenka has worked closely with Smith before, having appointed him as the captain of the Rising Pune Supergiants in 2017, a decision that nearly led to an IPL title.
With KL Rahul departing from the team, Smith’s experience in leadership and his strategic insights could prove crucial. Additionally, his inclusion at the top of the batting order would bolster LSG’s attacking strength.
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
The Rajasthan Royals may be interested in bringing back Steven Smith, given his successful tenure with the team from 2014-15 and 2019-20. During this period, Smith not only impressed with his batting but also captained the side, leading them to several important victories. His familiarity with the franchise and its culture could make his reintegration smoother. A return to Rajasthan might also help revive his form and contribute to further successes. The Royals would benefit from his wealth of experience and leadership as they look to strengthen their squad.
As Smith enters the auction for IPL 2025, various franchises are expected to compete for his services. His extensive experience, strong ties with influential figures within these teams, and past achievements make him a highly sought-after player for any franchise looking to enhance their lineup.
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