Australian cricket star Steve Smith, known for his incredible batting skills and consistency, was one of the big names at the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. However, surprisingly, Smith went unsold, despite his stellar record in the previous seasons and his recent form in international cricket and domestic leagues like the Big Bash League (BBL).
Smith, who had previously played for the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2021 at an auction price of Rs 2.20 crore, was expected to attract bids. Yet, no franchise showed interest during the 2025 auction, leaving fans and analysts shocked.
Steve Smith’s IPL Career at a Glance
Steve Smith has had an illustrious IPL career, playing for multiple franchises, including Rajasthan Royals, Rising Pune Supergiants, and Delhi Capitals. Below is an overview of his career stats:
| Year | Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 103 | 2485 | 101* | 34.51 | 128.09 | 1 | 11 | 225 | 60 |
| 2021 | 8 | 152 | 39 | 25.33 | 112.59 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 2 |
| 2020 | 14 | 311 | 69 | 25.91 | 131.22 | 0 | 3 | 32 | 9 |
| 2019 | 12 | 319 | 73* | 39.87 | 116.00 | 0 | 3 | 30 | 4 |
| 2017 | 15 | 472 | 84* | 39.33 | 121.96 | 0 | 3 | 38 | 12 |
| 2016 | 8 | 270 | 101 | 45.00 | 153.40 | 1 | 0 | 27 | 8 |
Smith’s best season was in 2017, where he scored 472 runs in 15 matches at an average of 39.33 with three half-centuries.
Steve Smith’s Notable IPL Performances
- IPL Debut: Steve Smith made his IPL debut in 2012, playing for the Pune Warriors India against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
- Last IPL Match: Smith played his last IPL match in 2021 for Delhi Capitals against Mumbai Indians at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Recent Form: BBL 2025 Century Heroics
Smith’s exclusion from IPL 2025 teams is even more surprising, given his sensational form in the ongoing BBL 2025. He smashed an unbeaten 121 off 64 balls for the Sydney Sixers, leading his team to their highest-ever score of 220/3. With this century, Smith equaled the record for the most BBL centuries.
Steve Smith’s Auction Price History
Smith has always been a high-value player in IPL auctions, with his highest price being Rs 12.50 crore when he was picked by Rajasthan Royals in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Here’s a summary of his auction price history:
| Year | Price (INR) | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 12.50 Cr | Rajasthan Royals |
| 2019 | 12.50 Cr | Rajasthan Royals |
| 2020 | 12.50 Cr | Rajasthan Royals |
| 2021 | 2.20 Cr | Delhi Capitals |
Conclusion: What’s Next for Steve Smith in IPL?
Despite going unsold in IPL 2025, Steve Smith remains a world-class player with a proven track record. His fans are hopeful that a mid-season replacement opportunity might arise, allowing him to showcase his skills once again in the world’s most popular T20 league.
