‘He is backing me 100 percent’ – Odean Smith heaps praises on PBKS skipper Mayank Agarwal after match-winning performance against MI

Fortunes changed for Odean Smith as the Punjab Kings all-rounder delivered a match-winning spell against Mumbai Indians on Wednesday (April 13). The West Indies pacer recorded figures of 4/30 as PBKS clinched the contest by 12 runs, registering their third win in IPL 2022. Notably, Odean had a point to prove in this game as he endured a horrendous outing in his last assignment.

Gujarat Titans dasher Rahul Tewatia smashed him for two successive sixes when 12 runs were needed off the final two deliveries. While many reckoned Odean should be dropped after such a performance, PBKS continued to back him and the West Indies international delivered. Notably, he dismissed the dangerous-looking Dewald Brevis in the game for a 25-ball 49.

Captain Mayank Agarwal has been amazing: Odean Smith

Speaking of his performance at the post-match press conference, Odean expressed gratitude towards the PBKS team management and skipper Mayank Agarwal for backing him. “They have been very motivating. They have helped me mentally to be able to come into this game and put in the performance today. They have been a major help for me. I would like to thank the coach,” asserted Odean.

“Captain Mayank has been amazing. He has always come to me and told me that he is backing me a 100 percent, no matter what happens. It’s just for me to believe that I can do it because I have the belief of the entire team behind me,” he added.

It must be noted that Odean was once again asked to deliver the last over against MI despite his struggles against GT. MI needed 22 off six deliveries and Jaydev Unadkat smashed the first ball for a six. The fast bowler, however, held his nerves and took three wickets in the remaining five balls.

“Shikhar (Dhawan) told me I was probably going to bowl the last over, so I had made my plans – what I was going to do. I asked him a few questions about what the batters would do. So I was clear going out there. I backed my best balls and just went with the plan,” said Odean further.

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