This Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction It’s shaping up to be an interesting battle of strategy and budget management. With several top franchises eyeing leadership gaps and looking for settled top-order batsmen, Careful Australia is firmly on the veteran Steve Smith. Priced at a manageable base price of INR 2 crores, the former Australian captain brings a wealth of experience, tactical acumen and a reliable batting technique. His proven track record of steadying the innings as an IPL captain makes his previous stint a high-impact, low-risk target. Here’s a look at some of the franchises strategically placed to secure Smith’s services.
5 teams that could target Steve Smith in IPL 2026 auction
1. Rajasthan Royals (RR)
- Purse Remaining: ₹ 16.05 crore | External slots: 1
Rajasthan Royals are perhaps the most natural fit for Smith’s return. Having previously led the sideline, Smith is familiar with the franchise’s culture and strategy. With the hypothetical departure of a key player Sanju SamsonRR has the gap hole in the top order batting group. They desperately need an experienced, reliable anchor and potential capital figure. With only one outfield slot to fill, Smith represents a perfect, high-value acquisition to stabilize their batting and provide a well-suited, infield leadership inside their middle bag.
2. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- Purse Remaining: ₹ 64.30 crore | External slots: 3 (highest bag)
KKR enters the mini-auction with the deepest pockets, boasting the highest remaining purse. This financial firepower gives the confidence to engage in a bidding war if necessary. Much like RR, KKR are looking for a settled, consistent top-order batter. The team has historically valued experienced leadership, and Smith fits the bill perfectly. With three overseas slots available, KKR can bring in Smith as an established pillar by which they can build their batting unit for the next phase of the tournament.
3. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
- Purse Remaining: ₹ 22.95 crore | External slots: 4
Despite keeping a few strong foreign players who like it Aiden Markram, Matthew breetzkeand Mitchell batLSG understands the need to have quality backups for a high-octane tournament. With the opening of four outer slots, there is flexibility to invest in experienced depth. Smith provides an elite-level alternative or additional top-order option should the team’s balance be in poor form amid injuries or retained stars. His inclusion will raise the overall quality and strength of the squad.
4. Delhi Capitals (DC)
- Purse Remaining: ₹ 21.80 crore | External slots: 5
Delhi Capitals have a middle bag, with a strategic focus on acquiring high-impact players who can nestle in and finish their roles immediately. Smith, a former DC player, is a known quantity who has produced consistent performances. Given DC’s need to bolster its core group of outfielders, Smith is a proven, high-caliber option who can fill both the batting and mentoring roles required to push the team toward the playoffs.
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5. Gujarat Titans (GT)
- Purse Remaining: ₹ 12.90 crore | External slots: 4
Gujarat Titans face a different problem: They have a relatively small bag, yet to fill the outfield slot. This dictates a budget-conscious, highly tactical approach. While retaining some major Indian stars Shubman Gill and as foreign talent ButtlersGT still needs players who can manage their middle order effectively and act as backup stars. Smith’s low base of ₹ 2 crores makes him an extremely attractive, high-quality and efficient option who can bowl the middle overs and lower order batsmen.
Valuable numbers in IPL
Smith’s IPL Demigrie makes him a valuable asset. From 103 matches, he scored one century and eleven wickets, including one century and eleven fifties, the highest score. These stats highlighted his ability to deliver match-winning performances and provide what many franchises currently lack. Its availability at a modest base price ensures that it will be one of the most hotly contested names when the bidding war begins.
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