STEVE SMITH (RR)
Perhaps the biggest release before the IPL 2021 auction was that of Australia’s Steve Smith, who led the Rajasthan Royals franchise in half of IPL 2019 and the whole IPL 2020. RR had retained Steve Smith for INR 12.50 crores.
However, the franchise finished last in IPL 2020, and Smith was highly unimpressive with the bat scoring 311 runs in 14 matches with 3 half-centuries and at a strike-rate of 131.22. The franchise had probably made their mind up to release him, given his price tag and that his style of play was not suited for the T20 format.
They have named Sanju Samson as the captain for the IPL 2021 and can use the money they got from releasing Smith to buy backup fast bowlers for Jofra Archer and co.
