Former Australia captain Steve Smith failed to secure a bid in the IPL 2025 auction. The mega auction, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, saw no franchises showing interest in the star batter. Despite setting his base price at ₹2 crore, Smith remained unsold during both the regular and accelerated rounds on Monday. His last IPL appearance was in 2021, representing Delhi Capitals.
Smith’s IPL Journey and Performance
Steve Smith’s IPL journey began with the now-defunct Pune Warriors India in 2012.
Over the years, he represented five franchises, including the Rising Pune Supergiants, where he led them to the IPL final in 2017.
However, his performances have seen a decline, with his 2021 stint producing only 152 runs at a strike rate of 112.59.
Notably, Smith has scored 2,485 runs in 103 IPL matches, maintaining a decent average of 34.51 but a below-par strike rate under 130.
Over the years, Smith has been a consistent contributor, with standout seasons like 2017, where he amassed 472 runs with three half-centuries, and 2016, where he scored 270 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 153.40.
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Though not utilized as a bowler, Smith’s batting prowess and leadership qualities make him a valuable asset in any team he represents.
Reasons Behind Being Unsold
Several factors likely contributed to franchises overlooking Smith in the IPL 2025 auction.
Firstly, his recent T20 performances have not been up to the mark, especially in high-pressure leagues like IPL.
Moreover, teams often prioritize players who fit specific roles, and Smith’s comparatively low strike rate might not align with the modern T20 batting approach.
Additionally, the competition among overseas players for limited slots might have played a role in his exclusion.
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