Australia’s Steve Smith will debut as a commentator on the upcoming Indian Premier League, the event’s broadcaster mentioned 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 world stars in attendance for the eight-week event. “Steve Smith has joined the expert panel for the marquee tournament. Smith will be making his broadcast debut with Star Sports, adding his invaluable insights and expertise to Star Sports’ already impressive roster of panelists,” the broadcaster mentioned in an announcement.

Smith, 33, introduced his return to the event on Twitter on Monday, saying in a teaser video: “Namaste, India. I’ve got some exciting news for you: I’m joining IPL 2023.”

That submit sparked hypothesis he may 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’re being held at gunpoint,” one Twitter person quipped.

Another fan suggested Smith, who not too long ago led Australia in two Tests 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 will be picked up as an damage alternative by any workforce.