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October 8, 2024
Steve Smith hasn’t played in the IPL since 2021, missing out on the last two auctions. However, after his impressive performance in Major League Cricket (MLC), the veteran Australian batter is optimistic about returning to the Indian Premier League next year.
At 35 years old, Smith was overlooked for the T20 World Cup and the upcoming tour of Scotland and England. Still, he played a crucial role in helping the Washington Freedom secure their first MLC title. Smith scored 336 runs in the tournament, sharing the title of leading run-scorer for his franchise with a strike rate of 148.67. Notably, in the final against the San Francisco Unicorns, he scored 88 runs off 52 balls against a strong bowling lineup that included Australian captain Pat Cummins and Pakistani fast bowler Haris Rauf, earning him the player-of-the-match award.
“I’d certainly love another opportunity at IPL. I’ll be throwing my name in the hat, and we’ll see how we go,” Smith was quoted as saying by FOX Cricket.
“I feel like in every opportunity I’ve had in T20 cricket recently and franchise stuff, I’ve played quite nicely. So hopefully I just keep putting my name up there and enjoying it.”
Steve Smith has not played in the IPL since 2021, as he went unsold in the last two auctions. With national selectors favoring younger players, Smith reflected on his exclusion, stating that he will focus on improving his game and continuing to work hard.
“In terms of international T20s, I don’t know what’s going on there,” Smith said.
“They’ve obviously got some people they want to bring in, and that’s fine. I understood the way that they wanted to stack up for the World Cup, with all the strong guys that smack it miles. I understood that. I’m not that fussed. I’ll just go about my business, keep trying to improve and get better.”
Asked about giving a shot at winning gold at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, Smith said: “That’s still a while away as well, so we’ll wait and see. Never say never. I did watch quite a bit (of the Paris Olympics). I quite enjoyed it.”
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At 26, Rinku Singh finds himself at a crucial stage in his career. Despite his impressive performances, the upcoming IPL 2025 season may bring significant changes for him.
As the Indian Premier League (IPL) prepares for the 2025 season, attention is focused on potential player retentions and new signings that could shape the campaign. Rinku Singh, known for his explosive batting and impactful contributions to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has become a focal point in discussions about the franchise’s future. His status with KKR remains a topic of great interest among fans and analysts alike.
Rinku Singh captured attention during the 2023 IPL season with his outstanding performances for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The left-handed batsman emerged as the team’s top run-scorer, showcasing his talent throughout the tournament. His standout moment occurred in a thrilling match against the Gujarat Titans, where he hit five consecutive sixes, leading KKR to a stunning victory. Singh’s remarkable ability to deliver in high-pressure situations has solidified his reputation as one of the league’s most exciting young talents.
At 26, Rinku Singh stands at a crucial crossroads in his career. Despite his impressive performances, significant changes may be on the horizon for him as the IPL 2025 season approaches. With the auction looming, speculation is growing about whether the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will retain Singh or if he will become available to other franchises. Notably, Singh has expressed a particular interest in joining the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) if KKR decides to part ways with him.
In an interview with Sports Tak, Rinku Singh shared his admiration for RCB and their captain, Virat Kohli. He stated, “RCB, because Virat Kohli is there,” reflecting his well-known respect for the star player. The two share a close bond; during the previous IPL season, Singh even asked Kohli for a new bat after his own broke. Although Kohli was initially hesitant, he ultimately gifted Singh a new bat, showcasing their camaraderie.
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Despite his success in the IPL, Rinku Singh has encountered setbacks in his cricketing career. He was notably left out of the squad for the Duleep Trophy, recently announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The squad includes several prominent Indian players like KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Shubman Gill, making Singh’s absence particularly noticeable.
Missing out on the Duleep Trophy squad was a significant blow for Singh, especially considering his role as a key member of India’s T20I team. Earlier this year, he was listed as a reserve for the T20 World Cup, highlighting his importance and potential. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar had emphasized the unfortunate nature of Singh’s exclusion from the main squad, further underscoring his value to the team.
In response to being snubbed for the Duleep Trophy, Singh has maintained a positive outlook. “I didn’t do well. I actually didn’t play as many Ranji Trophy matches too; I played only 2-3 matches and didn’t perform well. That is why I wasn’t selected. I hope in the upcoming games, I will be selected,” Singh told Sports Tak. His resilience and commitment to improving his game are clear, and he remains optimistic about future opportunities.
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