IPL 2021 Auction: Michael Clarke says, ‘Don’t think Smith is going to stay 11 weeks away from his family for Rs 2.2 crore’

IPL 2021 Auction: Michael Clarke says, ‘Don’t think Smith is going to stay 11 weeks away from his family for Rs 2.2 crore’

Former Australian skipper Michael Clarke opened up for his countrymen, Steve Smith, who plays cricket for Team Australia. Clarke opined that Delhi Capitals acquisition Steve Smith might not leave his family to play for the upcoming edition of IPL for Smith was auctioned for a very low price.

With a base price of 2 crores, Steve Smith didn’t invite much interest in the bid. He was auctioned to Delhi Capitals at a deflated price of 2.2 crores.

Talking of the flaccid deal, Michael Clarke opened up to back Smith’s for his low price. “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,” Clarke said on the Big Sports Breakfast Podcast.

“I know his T20 performances haven’t been as good as he would have like last year’s IPL he 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.

‘Smith might pull a hamstring injury before flying to India,’ Clarke said

Steve Smith RR
Steve Smith

“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.

“For him to go away for an eight-week tournament and quarantine before the tournament starts call it 11 weeks. I don’t think he is going to give up 11 weeks away from his family and his partner for $380,000,” Clarke added.

“I’m really interested to see if he gets a tight hamstring and doesn’t go. Or if it goes the other and he says I do wan’t to go and play in this T20 World Cup and I do want to get picked up for more money in the next IPL. I am going to go there, I don’t care for the money and will prove people wrong.”

Steve Smith, who was the skipper of Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2020, was released ahead of the IPL 2021 auction because of his middling form in the previous edition.  The Royals adjudged Indian batsman Sanju Samson as the skipper in place of Smith’s captaincy.

Also read: IPL 2021 Auction: Saba Karim opines on Umesh’s low price tag, says, ‘Umesh Yadav may be experienced but only in terms of Test matches, not in the shorter formats’