Steve Smith likely to return in IPL 2025; Report

Australian cricket superstar Steve Smith has officially announced his intention to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction. After a two-year absence from the prestigious league, the former Australian captain is eager to make his return to the IPL, where he last played in 2021 for the Delhi Capitals. Smith's recent stellar performances in Major League Cricket (MLC) have reignited interest in his T20 career, making his potential IPL comeback a much-anticipated event.

Smith Shines in MLC 2024 campaign

Steve Smith’s remarkable performance in the 2024 Major League Cricket (MLC) season has been a key factor in his renewed IPL ambitions. Leading Washington Freedom to their first-ever MLC title, Smith not only served as the team captain but also emerged as the leading run-scorer. He amassed a total of 336 runs at a striking rate of 148.67, making him the third-highest run-scorer in the tournament. His standout performance came in the final, where he scored a match-winning 88 off 52 balls, securing a commanding 96-run victory for his team. Smith’s leadership and batting prowess were instrumental in Washington Freedom’s historic triumph, showcasing his enduring value in the T20 format.

Eager for IPL comeback after two-year hiatus

Despite being away from the IPL for two years, Smith has expressed a strong desire to rejoin the league. Speaking to CODE Sports, Smith revealed, "I'd love to be part of the IPL once again. I'll be putting my name in the auction." His last IPL stint was with the Delhi Capitals in 2021, where he played under the leadership of Rishabh Pant. During that season, Smith managed to score 152 runs from eight matches at an average of 25.33. However, his overall IPL journey has been impressive, having amassed 2,485 runs from 103 matches at an average of 34.51, including one century and 11 fifties.

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A look back at Smith's IPL journey

Steve Smith's IPL journey began in 2010 when he was first bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Over the years, he has represented several franchises, including Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Pune Warriors India, and Rajasthan Royals (RR). One of the highlights of his IPL career was in 2017 when he led Rising Pune Supergiant to a high-voltage final. Smith was later named the captain of Rajasthan Royals before being released. With over 2,400 runs in the IPL, Smith's return to the auction is expected to draw significant attention from franchises looking to bolster their squads with an experienced and in-form T20 player.