Is Steve Smith set to lose lucrative IPL 2021 deal with Rajasthan after SCG Test antics?

Rajasthan IPL franchise are likely to release ir captain Steve Smith ahead of IPL 2021 auction, 2008 IPL winners will take call soon as y are supposed to submit final list of retained and released players before January 21. tably, Smith has been with Rajasthan IPL franchise from 2014.

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Rajasthan IPL franchise likely to release captain Steve Smith ahead of IPL 2021 auction

According to ESPNcricinfo, one of major factors behind Smith's probable departure is his diminishing form in Dream11 IPL 2020 where franchise finished at last place in points table with six wins and eight losses. Australian batting mainstay has failed to create desired impact, both with batting and leadership. right-hander scored just 311 runs in 14 matches at a strike-rate of 131 with just three fifties to show. 

franchise is looking to be more consistent in contention for playoffs, something which y haven't been able to do regularly. After winning inaugural edition of IPL in 2008, Rajasthan IPL franchise has made it to playoffs only on three occasions (2013, 2015 and 2018) which is why team manment is set to take big calls going forward. 

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tably, Smith was only player who was retained by franchise ahead of IPL 2018 auction for a whopping price of ₹12.5 crore, which forms quite a part of widely reported $23 million Steve Smith net worth figure. 31-year old was appointed as captain of Rajasthan in 2018 when franchise had returned after serving a two-year suspension, however, Smith stepped down from role in wake of infamous Sandpapergate scandal. In 2019, after a dismal start to tournament, Rajasthan replaced captain Ajinkya Rahane with Smith but team's fortunes didn't change as y finished at penultimate spot in points table.

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If Smith is indeed released by Rajasthan, it would be interesting to see who y appoint as captain of team. Sanju Samson, who created a massive impact in Dream11 IPL 2020, could be one of front-runners to lead franchise. young Indian batsman is currently leading Kerala in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2021.

Although 'form' has been cited as a reason for Smith t being in Rajasthan's contention reportedly for 2021 season, it will be interesting to see wher batsman will be as highly valued by or teams during auction. On Monday, Smith was accused of 'cheating' by Indian fans, being heavily criticised on social media for a video which emerged in which he was seen scruffing up batting crease, which made Rishabh Pant take guard again during SCG Test, which ended in a thrilling draw.

Disclaimer: above Steve Smith net worth information is sourced from various websites and media reports. website does t guarantee a 100% accuracy of figures.

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SOURCE: BCCI