Steve Smith makes a mockery of harsh Ricky Ponting snub in IPL with incredible BBL century
The former Aussie cricket captain made the huge call on Steve Smith.
Cricket fans are questioning why Punjab Kings coach Ricky Ponting and other franchises snubbed Steve Smith in the IPL auction after the batter blasted a memorable century in the BBL on Saturday. Smith made his first appearance for the Sydney Sixers on Saturday against the Perth Scorchers having finished up red-ball cricket duty after the series win against India.
Smith was riding high after being announced as captain of the team for the Sri Lanka tour and admitted he will feature as many times as possible for the Sixers before he departs. And in front of a packed SCG crowd, Smith put on one of his finest ever T20 knocks to score 121 not out off just 64 balls to lift the Sixers to 3-220.
The 35-year-old scored in every part of the ground having whipped 10 fours and seven sixers in front of an adoring crowd. And Smith did so opening the batting for his side. The Perth Scorchers were chasing a massive score and rallied to make a contest, but fell 14 runs short in a thriller at the SCG.
This marks Smith's third century for the Sixers, which is remarkable considering he only plays part-time for the Sydney side. And former Aussie wicketkeeper Brad Haddin suggested it was only a matter of time before Smith gets the plaudits he deserves and is picked up by a franchise in the IPL having been left unsold for the last two years.
“He did it in the American league where they went through undefeated with Ricky Ponting’s team … but his role for the last 10 years (for Australia) has been to bat in the middle and play spin, get off strike and accumulate runs,” he said.
“He’ll be back in the IPL. There’s no doubt in my mind about that. (Against Perth) Steve Smith scored all around the wicket. He put pressure back on the bowlers… he plays a different role now. He sees himself as a power hitter. It was an absolute masterclass from Smith.”
We tend to forget what a force Steve Smith was in the IPL for a fair few years in the last decade. Always had the kind of T20 skills needed to finish games from the top. Still a chance for the T20 World Cup in India next year? #BBL14
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) January 11, 2025
Covered a lot of BBL over the years but that Smith innings was best I’ve seen in the tournament live. Incredible hitting and just a complete manipulation of an attack.
No bigger crowd puller in Australian cricket. #BBL14— Scott Bailey (@ScottBaileyAAP) January 11, 2025
Steve Smith is a seriously good T20 opener these days … #bigbash
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 11, 2025
Ricky Ponting's IPL snub comes back to light
And while Smith was earning plaudits from all over the world for his masterful innings there were also questions being asked of Ponting. The former Delhi Capitals coach has now taken charge of the Punjab Kings in 2025 in a bid to change their fortunes.
Although the Aussie cricket legend opted not to go in for Smith during the IPL auction, even for a base price of $365,000, as the batter went unsold. This was even more surprising considering Smith teamed up with Ponting for the Washington Freedom in the first edition of the Major League Cricket. The duo won the inaugural trophy together with Smith the standout player for the franchise.
Ponting opted to stack his team with Aussies including Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis at the Kings, but couldn't find room for Smith. And fans were quick to question why Ponting and other franchises were so willing to let Smith go unsold when he has continually shown his T20 form at domestic level when given the opportunity.
I still can't believe that Ricky Ponting didn't go for Steve Smith in the IPL Auction.
— Lubana Warriors (@LubanaS49) January 11, 2025
Ponting could've actually picked Smith you know. There would've been some experience at the top with Prabhsimran. #BBL14 #IPL
— Saresh Saha (@CricSar) January 11, 2025
Smith could come in as an injury replacement in IPL 2025. If not any team, at least in Punjab Kings with Ponting there...in case one of their overseas stars gets ruled out. https://t.co/1rRpkddpZ5
— Prasenjiit Dey (@CricPrasen) January 11, 2025
Steve Smith's T20 game has improved considerably in recent years, it's a shame no IPL franchise wants to take a gamble on him
— Jorge De Guzman (@AttantiManoj) January 11, 2025
How come Smith and Warner goes unsold in IPL? One just scored a hundred and the other is the top scorer of BigBash!
Champions! #BBL14 #SteveSmith #smith #ipl #cricket #cricketnews— Bhavesh Shahdadpuri (@BhaveshShahdad1) January 11, 2025
Steve Smith's cheeky dig at Aussie selectors
After his innings, Smith was sitting down in the Sydney Sixers dugout to talk about his historic innings. Smith has found himself on the outer of national T20 selection in recent times, but the 35-year-old has reinvented his game to become an opener.
Smith traditionally batted in the middle order and would tick over the scoreboard and apply steady pressure especially when the spinners were introduced. However, Smith has now adapted his game to become more aggressive and take on the opening ball. And Smith admitted he still wanted to play for the national side and is keen to take part in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
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"Yeah I mean, they are a bit off me there, aren’t they so …” Smith said about the selectors to David Warner in Fox Sports commentary. "Yeahhhh. I don’t know. I’m available for selection but yeah there’s plenty of good batters around the country isn’t there.
“I’m getting older. Some of those young guys smack it a fair way.” While Smith continues to light up the BBL for the Sixers he hasn't ever really shone at international level. Smith has only surpassed 50 once in 32 games since 2019 for Australia. This has seen him overlooked for selection.
