Steve Smith Targets 2028 Olympics as T20 World Cup Hopes Fade
Australian batting stalwart Steve Smith has confirmed that his "main goal" is to represent Australia at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, effectively conceding that his chances of a surprise inclusion in the upcoming T20 World Cup squad are slim. The 36-year-old, who has been in exceptional form for Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League, was omitted from both Australia's preliminary World Cup squad and the T20I squad for the Pakistan series. While disappointed, Smith maintains a pragmatic outlook, focusing instead on the longer-term ambition of Olympic participation when cricket returns to the Games after 128 years.
"I always want to play for Australia in big tournaments. But I think that ship's (T20 World Cup) sailed. I reckon they've got two opening batters that are doing pretty well. I'm relaxed doing what I can here and having some fun," Smith stated. Regarding his Olympic aspirations, he added: "My main goal, as I've said before, is to get in the team when the Olympics is rolling around. I'd be keen to do that. That'd be pretty cool. Keep doing what I'm doing, and you never know."
Chief selector George Bailey left the door slightly ajar for Smith, acknowledging his superb BBL form while explaining the current selection logic. "He's playing incredibly well, as he has done in the BBL for the last couple of years, in a position that we've got really good coverage in. But if there were moving parts and something was required around there, no doubt his name would be in the mix," Bailey said. He also suggested that if Smith were to return to the T20I setup, it would likely be at the top of the order, where he has had recent international opportunities.
Smith's situation highlights the challenging transition facing veteran players in an era of specialized formats and intense competition. Despite being one of Australia's greatest modern batsmen and maintaining strong domestic form, the crowded landscape of T20 specialists has made it difficult for him to break back into the shortest format at international level. His pivot towards the 2028 Olympics represents a strategic recalibration—setting a long-term target that aligns with his skills and the unique context of Olympic cricket. As Australia builds towards the T20 World Cup with younger options, Smith's focus on the Olympics provides both a personal motivation and a potential pathway for extending his illustrious international career in a historic setting.
"I always want to play for Australia in big tournaments. But I think that ship's (T20 World Cup) sailed. I reckon they've got two opening batters that are doing pretty well. I'm relaxed doing what I can here and having some fun," Smith stated. Regarding his Olympic aspirations, he added: "My main goal, as I've said before, is to get in the team when the Olympics is rolling around. I'd be keen to do that. That'd be pretty cool. Keep doing what I'm doing, and you never know."
Chief selector George Bailey left the door slightly ajar for Smith, acknowledging his superb BBL form while explaining the current selection logic. "He's playing incredibly well, as he has done in the BBL for the last couple of years, in a position that we've got really good coverage in. But if there were moving parts and something was required around there, no doubt his name would be in the mix," Bailey said. He also suggested that if Smith were to return to the T20I setup, it would likely be at the top of the order, where he has had recent international opportunities.
Smith's situation highlights the challenging transition facing veteran players in an era of specialized formats and intense competition. Despite being one of Australia's greatest modern batsmen and maintaining strong domestic form, the crowded landscape of T20 specialists has made it difficult for him to break back into the shortest format at international level. His pivot towards the 2028 Olympics represents a strategic recalibration—setting a long-term target that aligns with his skills and the unique context of Olympic cricket. As Australia builds towards the T20 World Cup with younger options, Smith's focus on the Olympics provides both a personal motivation and a potential pathway for extending his illustrious international career in a historic setting.
Also Read | 'You have to train how you want to play': Glenn McGrath explains why Arshdeep Singh's wide yorkers work
You can see Arshdeep Singh's plan from a distance.
- all of which fell on yorker length or ended as low fulltoss.
After Wari, Arshdeep could not hit the wide-yorker radar. If you are not confident in hitting, you will throw and hit it more often.
Where is the batsman trying to hit you and which ball am I going to bowl. While India's batsmen were seen going deep into the crease and negotiating Lasith Malinga's yorkers, Sri Lanka came up with a wide yorker plan two days before the final in Dhaka. The line was practiced so diligently that in the final, both the fast bowlers bowled wide yorkers and gave only 15 runs in the last three overs. They say.
- all of which fell on yorker length or ended as low fulltoss.
After Wari, Arshdeep could not hit the wide-yorker radar. If you are not confident in hitting, you will throw and hit it more often.
Where is the batsman trying to hit you and which ball am I going to bowl. While India's batsmen were seen going deep into the crease and negotiating Lasith Malinga's yorkers, Sri Lanka came up with a wide yorker plan two days before the final in Dhaka. The line was practiced so diligently that in the final, both the fast bowlers bowled wide yorkers and gave only 15 runs in the last three overs. They say.
Also Read | 'India is under pressure from 1.5 billion people, they have already lost the final in Ahmedabad': Shoaib Akhtar on India facing home pressure against New Zealand
The last time India played a World Cup final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, it was in the 2023 ODI World Cup when the Rohit Sharma-led Indian team lost against Australia by six wickets.
The Yakumar Yadav-led Indian team will take on New Zealand in the final in Ahmedabad on Sunday, marking the fourth time that the two countries will face each other in a T20 World Cup match. Having won all three encounters against Australia, Mitchell Santner's New Zealand team will hope to defeat the defending champions and win their first World Cup title. It is believed that along with the pressure of '1.5 billion fans' on India, there will also be memories of the defeat in the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia on the same ground. If favorable for the spinners, the par score will be around 200 or 175. "New Zealand should win this World Cup," said Game on High.
Looks strong. t, which means that obviously our high performance program has to be very specific and has to cater to the population that we've got, "but obviously, the talent that comes out of t India is phenomenal. व is.
The Yakumar Yadav-led Indian team will take on New Zealand in the final in Ahmedabad on Sunday, marking the fourth time that the two countries will face each other in a T20 World Cup match. Having won all three encounters against Australia, Mitchell Santner's New Zealand team will hope to defeat the defending champions and win their first World Cup title. It is believed that along with the pressure of '1.5 billion fans' on India, there will also be memories of the defeat in the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia on the same ground. If favorable for the spinners, the par score will be around 200 or 175. "New Zealand should win this World Cup," said Game on High.
Looks strong. t, which means that obviously our high performance program has to be very specific and has to cater to the population that we've got, "but obviously, the talent that comes out of t India is phenomenal. व is.
Also Read | T20 World Cup: 'You can make a really strong argument that he is the best fast bowler ever' - praises Stuart Broad
Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah showed why he is considered among the best in the business with his decisive spell against England in the T20 World Cup semi-final on Thursday. Bumrah, who was in tremendous form, scored just ten runs in his last two overs, including six runs in the 18th over while chasing the target. iya.
It is said that he is the best fast bowler ever."
West Indies great Malcolm Marshall was 'miles better' than him. Depending on the article, how will you declare Bumrah as the 'best'? It’s the best I’ve ever seen live, that’s for sure,” Broad said.
Are.
It is said that he is the best fast bowler ever."
West Indies great Malcolm Marshall was 'miles better' than him. Depending on the article, how will you declare Bumrah as the 'best'? It’s the best I’ve ever seen live, that’s for sure,” Broad said.
Are.
Also Read | Dale Steyn praises Jasprit Bumrah's 16th and 18th overs: 'Take away his two overs, and England would have won the game by one over'
Jasprit Bumrah's 1-33 against England in the semi-final was worth gold for India as the co-hosts eventually managed to win by just seven runs. Rest assured, Bumrah's 16th and 18th overs helped the crowd find their voice again and laid the foundation for India to clinch the nailbiter. Let's demonstrate.
''
''
Also Read | 'If I were India I would be coming into the tournament, a team I wouldn't want to play in the final...': Brad Haddin on New Zealand
With a 3-0 record against India in T20 World Cup history, New Zealand has been one team that has given a tough challenge to India in the T20 World Cup. has never lost a T20 World Cup match against India since the 2007 T20 World Cup. Former Rajasthan wicket-keeper batsman Brad Haddin believes that New Zealand is a team that India would not like to play in the final and the Kiwis are not afraid of India in home conditions. This can ruin the party on its home soil. It was in the Knockout Trophy, where the Kiwis won the title with a four-wicket win over India. Was deprived of the title. He sees New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner as the key player in the final. .
