Australian batting maestro Steve Smith has built a reputation for being one of the finest batsmen of his generation, and his performances against India, particularly in ICC tournaments, have been nothing short of exceptional. Whether it’s the 50-over World Cup, the T20 World Cup, or the World Test Championship, Smith has consistently delivered against India on the biggest stages, proving to be a constant thorn in their side.
Smith’s dominance against India in ICC events began during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup semi-final. Playing at the Sydney Cricket Ground, he crafted a magnificent 105 off 93 balls, guiding Australia to a match-winning total of 328. His effortless stroke play and ability to maneuver the Indian bowling attack set the foundation for Australia’s eventual triumph in the tournament. That innings was one of the defining moments of Smith’s career and cemented his reputation as a big-game player.
His success against India wasn’t limited to that one game. In the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, Smith once again played a crucial role when the two teams met. Although India won that group-stage encounter, Smith top-scored for Australia with a fighting 69, displaying his ability to anchor the innings under pressure. His performances in knockout matches further proved his mental resilience, with his ability to absorb pressure and counterattack being a key factor in Australia’s strong record against India.
Beyond the ODI format, Smith’s excellence has extended to Test cricket and the ICC World Test Championship. In the 2023 WTC Final, he was once again at his best, scoring a crucial 121 in the first innings to set the tone for Australia’s victory over India. His partnership with Travis Head was instrumental in putting Australia in a commanding position, and his ability to play long innings against India’s formidable bowling attack made all the difference.
Smith’s numbers against India in Test cricket are staggering. Over multiple Test series, he has consistently tormented Indian bowlers, averaging close to 60 in matches against them. His remarkable ability to read spin, combined with his unorthodox yet effective technique, makes him one of the toughest batsmen for India to dismiss. Whether facing Ravichandran Ashwin’s sharp turners or Jasprit Bumrah’s pace and accuracy, Smith has found ways to score runs and put Australia in winning positions.
Speaking about his love for playing against India, Smith has acknowledged that their high-quality attack brings out the best in him. He enjoys the challenge of facing world-class bowlers and thrives on the intensity of matches against India, particularly in ICC events where the stakes are at their highest. His ability to rise to the occasion has made him a key figure in Australia’s success in global tournaments.
As Australia prepares for future ICC tournaments, Smith remains a central figure in their batting lineup. His track record against India suggests that whenever these two cricketing giants clash, he will once again be one of the biggest threats. With his hunger for runs and ability to perform in pressure situations, India will need to find a way to counter Smith’s brilliance if they want to change the script in upcoming encounters.