Gautam Gambhir feels Smith a misfit in Capitals’ side

Hyderabad: Steve Smith, who led Rajasthan Royals in the previous edition, was released by the franchise ahead of the IPL auctions that held on Thursday. However, he was roped in by the Delhi Capitals in the players’ auction for 2.2 crore.

Smith, who didn’t have a great season with the bat and also in leading the team, may struggle to get into the playing XI given the number of batsmen the last-year finalists have in their ranks.

Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir feels that the Australian will not fit into the Delhi side. “Steve Smith doesn’t fit into the Delhi Capitals playing XI. They are probably too top heavy, where are they going to push him. They have got Shikhar Dhawan, who was in very good form, Prithvi Shaw, Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant,” said Gambhir.

“They will definitely play Shimron Hetmyer in the middle order and Marcus Stoinis. Anrich Nortje and Rabada did really really well for them. Now they have got Chris Woakes as well. So, I don’t see him actually in the playing XI,” added Gambhir.