5 teams that might try to sign Steve Smith in IPL Auction 2021

The Rajasthan Royals made a big decision yesterday as they released their IPL 2020 captain Steve Smith before the 2021 season. Smith could not impress much as a captain and as a batsman during the last IPL tournament in the UAE. 

He could not strategize properly, and as a result, the Royals finished at the last position despite having big names like Ben Stokes, Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, and others in the squad. RR have elected Sanju as their new captain. Meanwhile, Smith has returned to the auction pool. 

Here are the five teams that might want to sign Steve in the 2021 Auction. 

5. Rajasthan Royals 

Many fans feel the Rajasthan Royals have ended their association with Steve Smith for a long time now. However, Smith could come back to the franchise in the 2021 season only. The reason behind it is that RR might have released Smith because of his higher price. 

Retaining Smith for the 2021 season would have cost RR 12.5 Crores. Thus, the Jaipur-based franchise might try to gain Smith’s services at a lesser price because it goes without saying that the Aussie is one of the best batsmen in the world right now. 

4. Chennai Super Kings 

The Chennai Super Kings only have one overseas spot left in their squad. They need a solid middle-order batsman who can bat between captain MS Dhoni and number three batsman Suresh Raina. 

Steve Smith could fit perfectly in that position. He had scored an IPL century, playing under MS Dhoni’s captaincy at the Rising Pune Supergiant. So, coach Stephen Fleming might be interested in bringing Smith to Chennai. 

3. Royal Challengers Bangalore 

The Royal Challengers Bangalore could be another team that might wish to sign Steve Smith. RCB have already released Chris Morris and Moeen Ali ahead of the auction. They have enough budget available to go after Smith. 

Virat Kohli and Steve Smith are two of the greatest modern-era batsmen. The fans have often seen their friendship and rivalry on the field. It is the dream of every fan to see Virat and Smith play for the same team. RCB could fulfill that dream this year. 

2. Delhi Capitals

 

The Delhi Capitals released Jason Roy, Alex Carey, Sandeep Lamichanne, Keemo Paul, and Daniel Sams from their overseas department before IPL 2021. While DC have enough batting options available, they might go for Steve Smith to add stability to their lineup. 

Shikhar Dhawan and Marcus Stoinis could open the innings, with Ajinkya Rahane and Prithvi Shaw as back-up options. Steve Smith could bat at number three, with Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant being the next two batsmen. They have Chris Woakes, Axar Patel, and Shimron Hetmyer for the finishers role. 

1. Kings XI Punjab 

The Kings XI Punjab missed out on a playoff berth despite performing well in the season’s second half. KL Rahul needs some support in the leadership and batting department, which Steve Smith could provide. 

If the top 3 batsmen lose their wickets early, Smith can stabilize the innings at number four. With Glenn Maxwell out, KXIP have an overseas slot available to accommodate Smith in their playing XI. Hence, Preity Zinta’s franchise could sign Smith.