New Delhi, March 27:  Australia's talismanic batter Steve Smith has left fans in confusion over him saying he will be joining an exceptional and passionate team in India ahead of IPL 2023. But Smith, through his video on Twitter, did not reveal in what capacity he would return to India for IPL 2023 after not having been part of the mini-auction which was held in Kochi in December 2022. "Namaste India. I have got some exciting news for you. I am joining IPL 2023. I am joining an exceptional and passionate team in India," Smith said in a video message posted on his Twitter account. ‘Definitely Looking Yellove’ CSK Captain MS Dhoni Paints Chepauk Stadium in Yellow Ahead of IPL 2023 (Watch Video).

Steve Smith Teases Fans Ahead of IPL 2023

In the IPL, Smith has previously been with the Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore Rising, and now-defunct franchises Rising Pune Supergiant, Pune Warriors India, and Kochi Tuskers Kerala. Rovman Powell Saves 5-Year-Old Ball Boy From Serious Injury; Hurts Himself in Process While Saving Boundary During SA vs WI 2nd T20I 2023 (Watch Video).

He also captained Pune to runners-up finish in IPL 2017. In 103 matches of the IPL, Smith has scored 2485 runs at an average of 34.51 and strike-rate of 128.09, including a century and 11 fifties. It should be interesting to witness what role Smith will play in IPL 2023, as he has also signed up to play three first-class matches for Sussex in the County Championship season in May, ahead of playing World Test Championship (WTC) final against India as well as the Ashes in England.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 27, 2023 04:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).