Steve Smith, the Australian batsman is hopeful of guiding Delhi Capitals (DC) to its maiden title triumph in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as he is delighted to join last edition’s runners-up Delhi Capitals in IPL 2021.
The 31-year-old, who was released by Rajasthan Royals (RR), was acquired by Delhi Capitals for Rs 2.2 crore at the IPL auctions, last week.
Steve Smith Really Excited About Joining Delhi Capitals
Steve Smith scored 311 runs in 14 games averaging a modest 25.91 with 3 fifties at a strike rate of 131.22 in IPL 2020. The prolific right-hand batsman, who joined the Rajasthan Royals franchise in 2019, captained the side in the 2020 edition in the UAE, where they finished last.
“I am really excited about joining the team this year. I think the squad has a great set of players and has a great coach and I look forward to getting over there and creating some amazing memories, and hopefully, help the team go one better than last year. Can’t wait guys,” Steve Smith said.
The Australian has scored 2,333 runs in 95 matches at an average of 35.34 in the IPL. Earlier, Michael Clarke, former Australian skipper has opined that the former RR captain who was bought by DC for Rs 2.2 crore in IPL 2021 auction, might not leave his family and partner for such a low price.
Steve Smith Will Reunite With His 2011 World Cup Skipper Ricky Ponting Who Is Head Coach Of Delhi Capitals
The batsman had a fantastic season for the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiant in IPL 2017 when he amassed 472 runs in 15 matches. In 2019, he scored 319 runs in 12 games but failed to replicate that success in IPL 2020 which led to his ouster from the franchise.
At Delhi Capitals, Steve Smith will reunite with his 2011 World Cup captain Ricky Ponting, who is the head coach of the side.
The Delhi Capitals boast of a strong batting line-up with the likes of Rishabh Pant, Shikhar Dhawan, Marcus Stoinis, and Shimron Hetmyer in their ranks, and the former Australian skipper may not even be a sure-shot starter in all 14 matches.
Steve Smith, Umesh Yadav (Rs 1 crore), Ripal Patel (Rs 20 lakh), Vishnu Vinod (Rs 20 lakh), Manimaran Siddharth (Rs 20 lakh), Lukman Meriwala (Rs 20 lakh) were some of the players added to their squad and the latest acquisitions will boost the team.
Steve Smith was bought by the Delhi-based franchise for Rs 2.2 crore, while experienced T20 players Tom Curran and Sam Billings were bought for Rs 5.25 crore and Rs 2 crore respectively.