Australia’s Steve Smith will debut as a commentator on the upcoming Indian Premier League, the event’s broadcaster stated Tuesday, ending the thriller about his return to the occasion. The sixteenth version of the cash-rich Twenty20 extravaganza begins Friday in Ahmedabad, with 10 groups and a bunch of worldwide stars in attendance for the eight-week event. “Steve Smith has joined the professional panel for the marquee event. Smith shall be making his broadcast debut with Star Sports activities, including his invaluable insights and experience to Star Sports activities’ already spectacular roster of panelists,” the broadcaster stated in an announcement.

Smith, 33, introduced his return to the event on Twitter on Monday, saying in a teaser video: “Namaste, India. I’ve bought some thrilling information for you: I am becoming a member of IPL 2023.”

That publish sparked hypothesis he would possibly return to the event as a participant. The video drew appreciable mirth on social media for Smith’s robot-like efficiency within the 15-second clip, throughout which he did not blink.

“DON’T blink if you happen to’re being held at gunpoint,” one Twitter person quipped.

One other fan suggested Smith, who not too long ago led Australia in two Checks and three one-day internationals in India, to make use of his bat and never the microphone on his Indian return. Smith final performed for the Delhi Capitals within the profitable IPL in 2021 earlier than he went unsold within the public sale for the next season.

The star batsman saved himself out of this season’s mini-auction in December however may be picked up as an damage alternative by any staff.