IPL 2021 Auction | Delhi Capitals buy Steve Smith for INR 2.2 Crores

Despite being the most high-profile cricketer in the IPL 2021 auction, Steve Smith’s bid went pretty uncontested. He had a base price of INR 2 crore which was matched by Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals. Ultimately, Delhi Capitals walked away with the number 2 ranked Test batsman in the world for INR 2.2 crore.

The release of Steve Smith made the biggest news on the day the retention and release list by IPL franchises were officially announced. The former Australia captain is one of the best batsmen in the world and was in terrific form during the limited overs series against India.

Also Read: IPL 2021 Auction | Complete Delhi Capitals (DC) Squad and Final list of Players

Steve Smith, the leader of Rajasthan Royals had a disappointing season in 2020. However, he couldn’t guide his side to the playoffs. This season, Sanju Samson will be leading the franchise given that Smith has been released.

Without a doubt, the Australian is the most high-profile name that went around in the auctions this year and the numbers back it up. Steve Smith has racked up 4378 runs in One Day cricket and has an average of 43.45. In T20 Internationals, Smith has an average and strike rate close to 28 and 130 respectively. He has four half-centuries to his name in the shortest format of the sport.

Also Read: Steve Smith : I’m searching for time in the middle

Steve Smith has had a glittering IPL career as well. He has 2333 runs to his name, having played 95 matches and has an average of 35.34, which is better than his international average. He’s also made a century in the competition, with his sole IPL hundred arriving in the 2016 season of the tournament. Smith also has eleven half-centuries to his name, three of which arrived last season. The 31-year-old’s best season with the bat in the IPL was definitely in 2017. He racked up 472 runs in 15 matches and had an average close to 40.

However, besides his numbers with the bat, what Steve Smith also brings to the table is his leadership qualities. The former Rajasthan Royals captain is one of the smartest minds in cricket and can guide his side well.