Punjab Kings (PBKS) are one of the few teams that are yet to lift the IPL trophy. For IPL 2025, Punjab Kings will look to break the trophy drought as they have already constituted a strong squad for the tournament. Despite gathering a strong squad for IPL 2025, there’s no guarantee that all foreign players may be available for PBKS in IPL 2025. Steve Smith is one of the popular players that might be signed in as an injury replacement by PBKS for IPL 2025. Let us discuss why PBKS might sign Steve Smith in IPL 2025.
Reasons why PBKS may sign Steve Smith for IPL 2025
Leadership role
It has been a decade since PBKS qualified for the playoffs, and they are in need of a proper captain. With Shreyas Iyer being purchased by PBKS in the IPL 2025 Auction, it is likely that he will lead Punjab in the upcoming edition. However, Iyer may require a helping hand on the field, and Smith might be an ideal candidate for that.
Under Steve Smith’s captaincy, the Washington Freedom were crowned champions after beating San Francisco Unicorns by 96 runs. Steve Smith had earlier operated as a captain of the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2014 and 2015 before replacing Ajinkya Rahane midway through IPL 2019. He has also led the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiants.
Rich IPL experience
Steve Smith might be 35 years old but boasts a truckload of IPL experience to his resume. Having been a part of the cash-rich IPL since 2012. In the IPL, Steve Smith has played 103 matches. Overall, he has amassed 2485 runs at an average of 34.5 and a strike rate of 128.11, laced with 1 century and 11 half-centuries.
Ricky Ponting and Steve Smith connection
Ricky Ponting and Steve Smith have worked together in the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024. Their partnership at MLC Washington Freedom paid rich dividends. In case the PBKS franchise manages to rope in Smith, then the Australian duo will look to replicate their MLC Washington Freedom success with the Punjab Kings.
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