Steve Smith Eyes IPL Comeback

Australian star batter Steve Smith is eager to make a return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) following an impressive stint in the 2024 Major League Cricket (MLC). Smith was a standout performer in the tournament, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer with 336 runs in nine innings, boasting an average of 56 and a strike rate of 148.67, including three half-centuries. As the captain of Washington Freedom, he played a crucial role in securing their maiden MLC title, notably with a match-winning 88 off 52 balls. Buoyed by his success, the 35-year-old is now seeking another opportunity to play in the IPL.

In an interview with FOX Cricket, Smith expressed his desire to return to the IPL, stating, "I’d definitely love another shot at IPL. I’ll be putting my name in the auction and see what happens. Lately, in T20 cricket and franchise leagues, I feel I’ve been performing well. So, I’ll just keep putting myself out there and enjoying the game." Smith last played in the IPL in 2021 for Delhi Capitals, but it wasn’t a memorable season for him, as he managed only 152 runs in eight matches at an average of 25.33 and a strike rate of 112.59, which led to him going unsold in the last two auctions.

Reflecting on his T20I exclusion, Smith acknowledged that he’s uncertain about his status in the international T20 setup but remains focused on continuous improvement. He mentioned, "Regarding international T20s, I’m not sure what’s happening there. It seems they have other players in mind, which is fine. I understood their strategy for the World Cup, prioritising power hitters. It doesn’t bother me much. I’ll keep working on my game and strive to get better."

Throughout his IPL career, Smith has accumulated 2485 runs from 103 matches, with an average of 34.51 and a strike rate of 128.09, including one century and 11 fifties. As he looks ahead, Smith remains optimistic about contributing more to T20 cricket, both domestically and internationally.