Australian star Steve Smith, having last played in IPL in 2021, returns to the spotlight with the IPL 2026 mini-auction not far away. The player, who went unsold in the IPL 2025, despite being up at a base price of ₹2 crores, finally lists himself at that same price for the 2026 auction as well. Competition will be tough for sure, as 1,355 players have signed up this time around, but Smith's return adds strong interest as teams look for an experienced leader and a calm middle-order batter. Some franchises have entered into a transition phase and would undoubtedly like Smith. 3 Teams That Should Target Steve Smith in the IPL 2026 Mini-Auction Delhi Capitals Delhi Capitals did not make it to the playoffs in IPL 2025, finishing fifth with seven wins in 14 matches. After Rishabh Pant’s exit, Axar Patel was given full-time captaincy, but the team could not maintain the momentum throughout the season. Although Axar is still there in the squad, DC is almost certain to pick a new captain for 2026. The franchise has been linked with KL Rahul, but with experienced player like Faf du Plessis pulling off from the upcoming season, DC will look for someone experienced. Steve Smith fits perfectly into their plans. His calm nature, experience in pressure games, and sharp cricketing mind can help Delhi rebuild. With a young squad comprising key Indian players, Smith could guide the team and bring balance in the middle order. Also Read | 6 veteran players who will be missed in the IPL 2026 Kolkata Knight Riders Kolkata Knight Riders fared badly in the IPL 2025 season, coming eighth under Ajinkya Rahane’s captaincy after they had won the 2024 title under Shreyas Iyer. Too many decisions did not click for them, and their move of releasing Shreyas Iyer earlier hurt their combination. KKR also spent ₹23.75 crore on Venkatesh Iyer in the 2025 mega-auction, but his low returns led to his release ahead of the auction. With leadership concerns rising, Steve Smith becomes a logical option. Smith can take charge of a team which badly needs a steady head in the middle order, and a leader who can manage a mixed squad of young and experienced players. Rajasthan Royals Rajasthan Royals are set for a major captaincy change after the trade of Sanju Samson. There were brief instances when Riyan Parag captained last season, winning only two of eight games. While the franchise will be looking at Parag, Dhruv Jurel and Yashasvi Jaiswal for leadership slots in the future, none of them have long-term captaincy experience. Although they have traded in Ravindra Jadeja, but his captaincy stint with CSK fared badly and this makes Steve Smith a strong option. He has led RR in the past, understands the culture, and can guide young players as the team prepares for a fresh start, probably with a new home base in Guwahati.