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Jamie Smith To Replace MS Dhoni At CSK? Three Teams That Could Target Him In IPL 2026 Auction
Follow UsThe Englishman has all the qualities to become a swashbuckling T20 batter
England’s wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith went absolute bonkers on day three of the second Test against India at Edgbaston, Birmingham. Smith smashed the third-fastest Test century for England and is averaging more than 45 in red-ball cricket. His numbers in T20s are also on the rise, and he could attract some bids in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction.
In 29 T20 innings since 2024, Smith has slammed 613 runs at an average of close to 23 and an impressive strike rate of 172.7. That average is far from impressive but there is no denying that Smith is only going to get better as he plays more T20s. The right-hander has all the qualities to become a swashbuckling T20 batter.
Here are three IPL teams that can target Smith in the IPL 2026 auction.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
MS Dhoni is 43 and there is no certainty about his participation in IPL 2026. CSK have Vansh Bedi in their set-up but he is yet to make his IPL debut. Meanwhile, Urvil Patel did impress with two cameos but that’s not enough to confirm his place in the XI. CSK could easily invest in someone like Smith, who is only 24 and is only going to get better and better from here.
His overall numbers are not outstanding, but Smith has been super impressive at Nos.5 and 6 since 2023. In this period, Smith has 555 runs in 21 innings at an average of 32.65 and a strike rate of 163.2 in those two positions. These are the spots MSD owned in his prime and Smith has all the ingredients to do the same.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
The Knight Riders have been looking for a solid wicketkeeper-batter since Dinesh Karthik left in 2021. They did get Phil Salt in 2023 and the England wicketkeeper-batter was crucial to them winning the trophy after 10 long years. KKR, however, failed to retain him next season and are now back to square one. KKR could fix that problem by signing Smith.
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
There are reports suggesting that RR might trade their skipper Sanju Samson ahead of the IPL 2026 auction and that could open a slot for someone like Smith. The 24-year-old could also solve RR’s middle-order woes. Many England players have been part of the Royals set-up and Smith could prove to be another fruitful addition ahead of the next season.