I am excited about joining DC: Steve Smith

Steve Smith is hopeful of guiding DC to its maiden title win in the 14th edition of the IPL. The Australian batsman was released by RR and acquired by DC for Rs 2.2 crore at the auctions. The batsman scored 311 runs in 14 matches, averaging a modest 25.91. This also includes three half-centuries at a strike rate of 131.22 in IPL 2020.

The dynamic batsman, who joined RR in 2019, captained the side in the 2020 edition in the UAE. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, the Rajasthan Royals finished last in the 13th edition of IPL. Smith accumulated 2,333 runs in 95 matches at an average of 35.34.

It will be exciting to see Smith's role in DC

Steve Smith will unite with his 2011 World Cup captain Ricky Ponting. The Capitals boast a strong batting line-up with Rishabh Pant, Shikhar Dhawan, Marcus Stoinis, and Shimron Hetmyer. The chances of Steve Smith getting an opportunity to play in all the games in IPL 2021 are slim. The team already has three overseas slots full with Stoinis, Rabada and Nortje.

Additionally, there is a tough fight for the fourth overseas spot in the Playing XI with contenders like Shimron Hetmyer, Chris Woakes, Tom Curran, and Sam Billings. It will be exciting to see which role Smith will have in DC. The batsman will be focused on proving his worth in the shortest format of the game ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Umesh Yadav (Rs 1 crore), Ripal Patel (Rs 20 lakh), Vishnu Vinod (Rs 20 lakh), Manimaran Siddharth (Rs 20 lakh), Lukman Meriwala (Rs 20 lakh) were some of the cricketers added to the squad. 

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