Steve Smith Legacy: Steve Smith recently announced his retirement from ODIs which shook the world. Smith is undoubtedly one of the finest batters of the current era, but the infamous ‘Sandpapergate’ scandal in 2018 halted what could have been an even greater career. Had Smith not been banned for a year, his ODI statistics might have looked vastly different.
At that time, Smith has played 159 ODIs, significantly fewer than Virat Kohli’s 295. Given his consistency, had he played an additional 20–30 ODIs, he could have surpassed 7,000 runs and 15 centuries. This could have placed him closer to Kohli’s remarkable numbers.
India’s star batter Virat Kohli whose known for his dominance in ODIs, has shattered records in the limited-overs format. Smith’s career, though impressive, suffered a halt due to the scandal, affecting his ability to challenge Kohli’s legacy. His technique, adaptability, and hunger for runs suggest that a full, uninterrupted career might have positioned him closer to the Indian star.
Sandpaper Saga
On March 24, 2018, was a day that changed Australian cricket forever. During the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town, cameras caught Cameron Bancroft using yellow sandpaper on the ball under the leadership of then-captain Steve Smith. The infamous “Sandpapergate” scandal erupted, leading to one of the biggest falls from grace in cricket history.
For Smith, the repercussions were swift and severe. Stripped of his captaincy and banned from international cricket for a year, he faced a tearful press conference that became a global spectacle. While he eventually found redemption, the scandal left an undeniable mark on his ODI career.
Immediate Fallout
Cricket Australia imposed a 12-month ban on Smith, removing him from international cricket at a time when he was one of the world’s most dominant batsmen. He had already played 108 ODIs, amassing 3,431 runs at an average of 41.84, leading Australia to a World Cup triumph in 2015. Just as he was solidifying his legacy, the scandal halted his momentum and altered his trajectory.
How Ban Affected His ODI Career
Smith missed 19 ODIs, including crucial series against India and Pakistan in preparation for the 2019 World Cup. During this period, his momentum stalled after averaging 50+ in ODIs in 2017. Australia’s leadership changed, with Aaron Finch taking over as captain.
Players like Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis filled the middle-order void, shifting Australia’s batting strategy.
Also Read: Steve Smith Retirement: Top ODI Knocks That Proved Why ‘Smudge’ Was One Of Australia’s Best!
A Resilient Comeback (2019–2025)
Smith returned in time for the 2019 World Cup, where he played a key role despite being relentlessly booed by English crowds.
| Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Centuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 51 | 2,369 | 50.40 | 88.01 | 4 |
While his average improved post-ban, the scandal cost him his captaincy, altering how he was perceived both inside and outside the team. The Steve Smith who once led from the front became a pure batsman, excelling in his role but with limited influence over team strategy.
Steve Smith’s Captaincy
Before Sandpapergate, Smith was seen as Australia’s long-term captain, expected to lead the team for years, much like Ricky Ponting before him. Instead, his 51 ODIs as captain became a closed chapter. Despite his post-ban resurgence, he never regained the captaincy, with Finch and later Pat Cummins taking charge.
Coming From Mental and Emotional Toll
The fallout from the scandal extended beyond cricket. Smith’s tearful press conference in 2018 revealed the immense personal strain. He later admitted to experiencing “dark days” during his suspension. In the 2019 World Cup, he silenced critics with crucial innings, including twin half-centuries against India and England.
Fan opinion remained divided some forgave, others labeled him “Captain Cheat” on social media. His post-ban work ethic earned praise from teammates, with David Warner calling him “the strongest man I know.”
What If He Was Not Banned?
If Smith was not banned, he might have played 20–30 more ODIs, potentially surpassing 7,000 runs and 15 centuries. His career total of 159 ODIs feels shorter compared to peers like Virat Kohli, who had 295 ODIs by March 2025. The scandal didn’t erase his talent but did cap his legacy.
