Former Australia captain Steve Smith has announced his intention to make a return to the Indian Premier League (IPL), confirming that he will participate in the upcoming 2025 mega auction. Smith, who has been absent from the IPL for the past two seasons, is eager to rejoin the tournament that he once dominated as both a player and captain.

Steve Smith's IPL career began in 2012, and he rapidly became one of the league's most trustworthy and significant players. He has formerly played for a number of franchises, including the Pune Warriors India, Rajasthan Royals, Rising Pune Supergiant, and Delhi Capitals. His most noteworthy time was with the Rajasthan Royals, when he not only succeeded as a player but also guided the squad to success.

Despite his impressive track record, Smith has gone unsold in the IPL auctions for the last few years, with teams overlooking the star batter. However, his recent performances in other T20 leagues, notably in the Major League Cricket (MLC), have reignited interest in his skills. Smith played a crucial role in helping the Washington Freedoms secure their first-ever MLC title, scoring 88 runs off 52 balls in the final against the San Francisco Unicorns.

Smith’s decision to enter the IPL 2025 auction marks his return after a two-year hiatus, during which he focused on international cricket and other T20 leagues. The 35-year-old last appeared in the IPL for Delhi Capitals in 2021, where he scored 152 runs from 8 matches at an average of 25.33. Throughout his IPL career, Smith has accumulated 2,485 runs in 103 matches, boasting an average of 34.51 and a strike rate of 128.09, including one century and 11 half-centuries.

Speaking to CODE Sports, Smith expressed his excitement about returning to the IPL and his desire to be part of the tournament once again. "I'd love to be part of the IPL once again. I'll be putting my name in the auction," Smith said.