Former Australian skipper Michael Clarke has hinted that Steve Smith might pull out of the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League, citing injury issues. Clarke’s statements have come out after Steve Smith was picked for a relatively small amount during the recently concluded IPL 2021-auctions.
Steve Smith, who has been the batting mainstay for the Australian cricket team was picked for Rs. 2.2 crore by Delhi Capitals at IPL 2021’s auctions after he was earlier released by Rajasthan Royals for his below-par performance in IPL 2020. Rajasthan Royals finished at the bottom of the points table in the 2020 edition of the IPL under the captaincy of Steve Smith.
Talking about Steve Smith, Michael Clarke claimed that he is not far away from being the best batsman in the world. He also claimed that the cricketer might pull out of the tournament citing injury issues. He said:
“I know his T20 performances haven’t been as good as he would have liked. Last year’s IPL wasn’t great. I’m very surprised he has gone for the amount of money he has, just under $400,000 – which is still good money,”
“But when you look at what he was getting (last season) and his role as captain of Rajasthan, don’t be surprised if there’s a little hamstring strain the day the plane is meant to fly to India, Don’t think Steve Smith is going to stay 11 weeks away from his partner for 2.2 crores”
He added:
“You talk about Steve Smith – if he’s not the best batsman in the world, he’s not far away. Virat Kohli is number one, but Smithy is in the top three,”
