Australian selectors seem to have moved on from Steve Smith as far as T20 format is concerned. Smith hasn't played a T20I since February 2024 and it is likely to stay that away keeping the current Australian T20I lineup in mind. An in-form Smith is not delusional about his chances either despite cracking a ton in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 for Sydney Sixers, including a 32-run over which had four sixes. He knows that it is tough to crack into the top order lineup considering skipper Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head will open the batting in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.
"Of course, I always want to play for Australia in big tournaments, but I think that ship's sailed," Smith said after his 40-ball 54 against Brisbane Heat in a must-win game on January 18.
"I reckon they've got two opening batters who are doing pretty well. So I'm relaxed, doing what I can here and having some fun."
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Smith has retired from the ODIs. He stays in New York City during the off-season. He led Washington Freedom to their maiden Major League Cricket (MLC) title as well.
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How Steve Smith reinvented his T20 game?
The 36-year-old has reinvented his T20 game. He can hit the ball a lot further. The most recent example of it being the 107-metre six he hit off Sydney Thunder pacer Nathan McAndrew. He had revealed that he targetted 30 runs in an over by utilising the short boundary after denying Babar Azam a single in the previous over to keep strike. He ended up hitting the ball a lot further into the stands. However, he says that he hasn’t made too many changes to his batting but he likes to open in the format. He remains focused on his goal to represent Australia in the Los Angeles Olympics 2028.
"I'm trying to get a bit stronger and hit the ball a little bit further," he said. "I've got to try and keep up with some of the guys that hit the ball a mile.
"But honestly, I don't think a lot's changed. I've had the opportunity now to open the batting, (and) starting with two (fielders) out, it kind of suits me – I hit the ball to some unique areas, and it's nice to bat up top, like most people want to do.
"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."
Steve Smith left ODIs to focus on T20 cricket
Smith went on to reveal that he left ODI cricket after the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal defeat because he wanted to play more franchise tournaments and stay in rhythm for the T20s. However, he hasn't picked by any of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises since 2021.
"All I can do is just keep scoring runs wherever I play," he said. "I stopped playing one-day cricket to play a few more franchise (tournaments) so I can play this format more and get in the rhythm of the game.
"It can be tough sometimes when play three games and then go away and play another three games in six months' time, so to be able to play some consistent games and just get the rhythm of the game, that's pretty important."
Smith's return has helped Sydney Sixers qualify for the BBL playoffs. They will go up against Perth Scorchers in the Qualifier on January 20 at Perth Stadium.