The IPL 2026 auction is set to be held on December 16 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi and the extravagant event is likely to command widespread attention as teams fine-tune their combinations following the November 15 retention cut-off.
One of the standout figures available is Australian great Steve Smith, widely regarded as one of the finest Test batters of the modern era. Despite not featuring in the league since 2021, his vast experience and cricketing acumen could tempt franchises seeking stability and class in their batting units.
Steve Smith
One of the modern-day greats, Smith is a huge asset when it comes to top-order batting be it in any format. In IPL 2021, Steve Smith last played for Delhi Capitals, scoring 152 runs in 8 matches at a modest average
of 25.33 with a strike rate of 112.59, hitting 13 fours and 2 sixes, marking a relatively average season compared to his career highs, showcasing a lower-than-usual output with no fifties or centuries for the year. His performance highlighted a dip in his typically dominant IPL form, focusing more on anchoring innings with fewer big scores.
Steve Smith IPL Stats
Steve Smith's IPL career (2012-2021) showcases a solid, anchor-style batter with 2485 runs in 103 matches, averaging around 34.51 with 1 century (101*) and 11 fifties, known for stability, leadership, and impressive boundary hitting (225 fours, 60 sixes), though his strike rate hovers around 128, reflecting a temperament focused more on consolidation than raw power. He's played for teams like Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals, offering valuable experience, but his fluctuating form and lack of high-impact T20 hitting made him a high-value but inconsistent pick in later auctions
Steve Smith IPL 2026 Auction Slot
Steve Smith is the no. 77 player in the IPL 2026 auction list. The Australian batter belongs to Set Number 11, in the BA2 category.
What is the Base Price of Steve Smith?
Steve Smith has a base price of Rs 2 crore in the IPL mini auction. He is among the 45 players with Rs 2 crore base price.
IPL 2026 Auction: When will Steve Smith arrive at Auction Table?
The IPL mini-auction will start at 2:30 PM IST on Tuesday, but Steve Smith is unlikely to be part of the early action. Slotted into Set No. 11, the experienced Australian is expected to come under the hammer later in the day - possibly around or after 6 PM - depending on how swiftly the first few sets are wrapped up and the order in which names are drawn within his group.
Disclaimer: The timeline of a player's arrival at the auction table is based on assumptions related to IPL auction and the player's position in the shortlist. The aforementioned time can change as per auction dynamics.
