The much-awaited 16th edition of the Indian T20 League kicked off on Friday, March 31. The first match of the league saw a thrilling contest between the defending champions Gujarat and the four-time champions Chennai at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad in which the Hardik Pandya-led side defeated the MS Dhoni-led team by 5 wickets.
However, despite winning the match, the Gurjarat-based franchise suffered a huge blow as their new addition in the team, Kane Williamson injured his knee during the match and is ruled out of the entire tournament. After his injury, many fans wished him for speedy recovery while some fans also suggested that the Australian veteran cricketer Steve Smith should replace him.
However, the right-hander didn’t register for the league, this year and hence, he is not eligible to replace anyone in the tournament. He himself talked about this, recently, and said he won’t be joining any team. Meanwhile, Gujarat will, definitely, look to find Williamson’s replacement. As Smith is out of contention, they might rope in for Sri Lankan captain and star all-rounder Dasun Shanaka, who has done wonders in the shortest format, recently.
Steve Smith last played in Indian T20 League for Delhi in 2021
Smith is still part of the 16th edition as he has joined the commentary team this year. He himself announced this on social media by posting a video of him saying, “Namaste India, I’ve got some exciting news for you. I am joining the Indian T20 League 2023. Yes, that’s right, I’m joining an exceptional and passionate team in India.”
He, recently, talked about his experience while captaining MS Dhoni in 2017 at Pune franchise and said that he learned how to be calm from Dhoni.
“I guess, the calmness that MS shows (was the learning). We saw throughout his career, how calm he was. He didn’t look like he was flustered by any emotions. That certainly something I’ve taken from him, not just in that season, but just watching him go about his business,” Smith said on Star Sports.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Is he eligible though?
— tahir (@maishayarbadnam) April 1, 2023
Ohh, Noooo
— RCB 🐆 (@ChadWic46740901) April 1, 2023
Should have broken Sam Currans record if he registered
— AngryMan (@HonesttCricFan) April 1, 2023
Galti hogayi na chachu
— J D (@JD_Souza0511) April 1, 2023
Even Mathew short also didn't registered….
— Neil (@itsme2805) April 1, 2023
— Vitamin_P (@Param6121) April 1, 2023
Lega bhi Ko bc 😭😂😂😂😂😂
— EMMY__KS (@Viscabarcaleo1) April 1, 2023
Smith ko ab lag raha hoga ki Kane ki jagha lene ka Sapna Sapna hi reh gya
— Yuvraj Yadav🇮🇳 (@king_yuvrajsing) April 1, 2023
