WATCH | Steve Smith keeps fans guessing on IPL return with 'awkward' video

28.03.2023 - 06:41 news24.com

Australia's Steve Smith has announced his return to the Indian Premier League, although his curious video statement left it unclear whether he would play or just commentate.READ | Record-breaking, not ground-breaking: Why '259' Proteas won't change the game like '438' didThe 16th edition of the Twenty20 extravaganza begins on Friday in Ahmedabad, with 10 teams and a host of global stars in attendance for the eight-week tournament."Namaste, India.

I've got some exciting news for you: I'm joining IPL 2023," Smith, 33, said in the video posted on his social media pages on Monday."Yes, that's right, I'm joining an exceptional and passionate team in India." pic.twitter.com/NoU1ZAtZzF The video drew considerable mirth on social media for Smith's robot-like performance in the 15-second clip, during which he does not blink once."DON'T blink if you're being held at gunpoint," quipped one Twitter user.Another tweet read: "Most advanced robot I've ever seen....I hope it brings some spare batteries with it in case it runs out of energy in India."One fan advised Smith, who recently led Australia in two Tests and three one-day internationals in India, to use his bat and not the microphone on his Indian return."Such an awkward video I don't think he should do commentary," the fan wrote."Just because you can play doesn't mean you can talk and this video is such a weird one.

Hope he just keeps playing cricket."Smith last played for the Delhi Capitals in the money-spinning league in 2021 before he went unsold in the auction for the following season.The star batsman kept himself out of this season's mini-auction in December but can be picked up as an injury replacement by any team.

cricket IPL on watch Steve Smith Australia India Ahmedabad Delhi

When Steve Smith became the captain of Rising Pune Supergiants ahead of the 2017 Indian Premier League (IPL), the focus was on how the Australian superstar would lead a side that had MS Dhoni, one of the most successful IPL captains, as its member. Now, as Smith returns to the IPL 2023 as a commentator, he recollected his experiences of working with Dhoni.

Australia's Steve Smith To Debut As Commentator at Indian Premier League

Australia's Steve Smith will debut as a commentator at the upcoming Indian Premier League, the tournament's broadcaster said Tuesday, ending the mystery about his return to the event. The 16th edition of the cash-rich Twenty20 extravaganza begins Friday in Ahmedabad, with 10 teams and a host of global stars in attendance for the eight-week tournament. "Steve Smith has joined the expert panel for the marquee tournament. Smith will be making his broadcast debut with Star Sports, adding his invaluable insights and expertise to Star Sports' already impressive roster of panelists," the broadcaster said in a statement.

Steve Smith keeps fans guessing on IPL return with 'awkward' video

Australia's Steve Smith posted a cryptic video message saying he will be joining the Indian Premier League but gave no indication in what capacity.

Watch: Kuldeep Yadav Stuns Alex Carey With Amazing Delivery. Steve Smith's Reaction Is Gold

The past few years have been tough for Kuldeep Yadav as the spinner has been in and out of the Indian cricket team. However, it left everyone stunned by a beauty of a delivery to dismiss Alex Carey during the third ODI encounter between India and Australia in Chennai on Wednesday. With the pitch providing assistance to spinners, Kuldeep pitched the ball on the leg stump and turned sharply to crash into Carey's off stump. The batsman was left completely bamboozled by the movement of the ball and even Australia skipper Steve Smith had to watch the replay to believe it.

Steve Smith's Horrible DRS Call Has Virat Kohli In Splits. 'Worst Review' Says Twitter

Steve Smith was left embarrassed after a horrible review that forced Virat Kohli and even his teammate Marnus Labuschagne to laugh out loud during the third ODI encounter between India and Australia in Chennai on Wednesday. During the 10th over of the innings, Kohli chased a delivery from Sean Abbott outside the off-stump and most Australia fielders were convinced that he edged it to the keeper. Smith went for the review but the replays should that the ball was nowhere close to the bat and the third umpire did not even bother to check the ultra-edge. Smith was visibly sheepish after the replay was shown and Kohli could not help but laugh at Smith's decision to take the review.

India vs Australia - Watch: Hardik Pandya Takes Three Wickets In Three Overs. Virat Kohli Can't Keep Calm

Hardik Pandya is back to his best as an all-rounder. The star has been contributing both with the bat and ball in the limited overs formats. He has also been regularly leading the team in the T20Is. He was also the stand-in captain in the first ODI against Australia. On Wednesday, Pandya once again proved to be quite a handful with the ball as he took three wickets in three overs. With Australia in full flow, reaching 61/0 in 10 overs, Pandya came to India's rescue. He got the wickets of Travis Head (33), Steve Smith (0) and Mitchell Marsh (47) in the 11th, 13th and 15th overs respectively.