IPL 2021 auction: Three teams that can sign up Steve Smith
The Rajasthan Royals sprung a surprise when they released their skipper from the previous season, Steve Smith ahead of the 2021 IPL edition. The Australian batsman did not have the best of tournaments with the bat. In the 14 innings that he played, Smith aggregated 311 runs and averaged only 25.92. In fact, out of the 14 innings that he played, the right-hander could not even cross the 20-run mark in as many as 8 innings. But having said that, there might be a few teams that might be interested in procuring the services of Smith. On that note, let us take a look at three teams that can pick Steve Smith in the 2021 IPL auctions.
3. Royal Challengers Bangalore
Apart from two batting legends in Virat Kohli and Ab De Villiers, the RCB batting definitely lacks depth. In fact, if Kohli prefers not to open, Bangalore do not have an established batsman who can partner Devdutt Padikkal at the top of the order. Also, the Bangalore side released Aaron Finch as well.
And, Smith can be a perfect replacement for his Aussie counterpart. If Smith opens the batting and lays a solid foundation, the likes of Ab De Villiers and Virat Kohli can go after the bowlers. After all, Smith averages 35.35 in IPL cricket and has scored in excess of 2000 runs (2333).
2. Chennai Super Kings
Another team that can benefit immensely from the addition of Smith into their squad is the Chennai Super Kings. The MS Dhoni-led side suffered a disastrous campaign in the 2020 edition and failed to qualify for the playoffs. Also, their opener Shane Watson announced his retirement following the 2020 edition.
And, Smith can be drafted into the squad and can open the batting alongside the impressive Faf Du Plessis. IPL legend Suresh Raina will also be making his return, and a top three consisting of Steve Smith, Faf Du Plessis and Suresh Raina certainly looks menacing.
1.Kolkata Knight Riders
Smith can be a valuable addition even for the Kolkata Knight Riders. In fact, during the 2020 edition of the IPL, the Kolkata side tried out 4 opening partners for Shubman Gill. The likes of Sunil Narine, Tom Banton, Rahul Tripathi and Nitish Rana opened alongside Gill in the 13th IPL edition.
And that is why Smith can offer a long-term solution to the Kolkata outfit as the opener. If Smith opens with Gill, he can be followed by Rana, Tripathi, Dinesh Karthik and Eoin Morgan, with Andre Russell and Narine playing the role of the pinch hitters.
