INDIA: Steve Smith, one of the most renowned Australian cricketers, has created a buzz on social media by hinting at his return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2023.
The news has come as a surprise to cricket enthusiasts worldwide, as Smith skipped the mini-auction that was held in Kochi in December 2022. The former Australia Test captain has played in the IPL for six different franchises but hasn’t participated since the 2021 season.
Will Steve Smith play or join commentary panel ?
Steve Smith has announced his return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2023, but it is still unclear whether he will be playing for a team or joining the commentary panel.
The former Australian Test captain has played in the IPL for six different franchises but hasn’t participated since the 2021 season. Smith’s recent announcement has created a buzz amongst his fans worldwide, who are eagerly waiting to see him back in action in the IPL 2023 season.
The 32-year-old took to social media on March 27 to make the announcement, but he didn’t disclose the capacity in which he would be joining the league. In his video message, Steve Smith mentioned that he would be joining an “exceptional and passionate team in India,” which has added to the excitement around the IPL 2023.
However, it is still unclear whether Smith will play for a team in the upcoming IPL season or join the commentary panel. Speculations are rife that broadcasters and digital firms are competing to get the best in the business for analysis and commentary for the 2023 season, and Smith may be one of the leading contenders.
Steve Smith has vast experience playing in the IPL, having played 103 matches and scoring 2485 runs, including a century, between 2012 and 2021.
In the 2017 season, he even led the Rising Pune Supergiant team, with MS Dhoni playing under him, who then took over the Chennai Super Kings’ reins in 2018.
However, Steve Smith’s unsold status in the IPL 2022 auction raised eyebrows and hinted that the player might not feature in the IPL 2023. But his recent announcement has confirmed his return, which has sent a wave of excitement amongst his fans worldwide.
The cricket fraternity also praised Smith’s leadership skills during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the subsequent ODI series against India.
Smith took over as captain of the Australian Test team when the side was in a difficult situation after losing the first two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in February 2023.
He also led the team to a 2-1 victory in the ODI series in March, ending India’s four-year unbeaten streak in the 50-over format at home.
Smith’s commitment to playing three first-class matches for Sussex in the County Championship season in May may also affect his IPL plans. However, his fans worldwide are eagerly waiting to see him back in action, whether as a player or a commentator, in the IPL 2023 season.
Also Read: Ben Stokes Joins Chennai Super Kings for IPL 2023, Boosting Franchise’s Hopes
