MS Dhoni is a quality leader, says Steve Smith

Skipper of the Rising Pune Supergiant Steve Smith was all praises for his predecessor MS Dhoni and said that the wicketkeeper batsman is a quality leader. During the ongoing edition of the IPL, Smith has been spotted taking inputs from Dhoni regarding field placements and bowling changes.

Since he could no longer play for the Chennai Super Kings, MS Dhoni led the Rising Pune Supergiant last year. Following a disappointing inaugural season in 2016 when the Rising Pune Supergiant finished 7th, the team management decided to hand the captaincy over to Steve Smith. The side has turned things around dramatically this season. With another 2 league matches to go, RPS can sniff a spot in the all-important playoffs.

Steve Smith was pleased with the way the youngsters contributed to their success this year. He was particularly appreciative of MS Dhoni’s leadership skills.

“MS Dhoni has been fantastic for us. He is a quality leader and I know that all the young Indian players look up to him in incredible amount,” Smith was quoted as telling India Today.

“I have got such a big respect for him as a player and as a leader. It has been an enjoyable year and Dhoni has been fantastic,” he added.

With 16 points in the bag, Pune are just one win away from sealing a berth in the playoffs. RPS are currently placed at third spot in the points table.

Tripathi & Sundar draw praise from Smithy

Youngster Rahul Tripathi’s performances also drew praise from his skipper Steve Smith. Promoted to open by Pune, Tripathi has struck seven thirty-plus scores in this IPL so far, including a stellar 93 off 52 against the Kolkata Knight Riders – of which 78 runs came through boundaries. Smith also lauded the contributions made by Washington Sundar and Jaydev Unadkat.

“It has been an enjoyable year with RPS. We have turned things around and have played some really good cricket in the last 9-10 games. We are in a really good place at the moment,” Smith shared.

“It has been great to see some young guys to come in and do incredibly well straight away. I think Rahul Tripathi has been a real revelation for us, he has been incredibly consistent. He has batted beautifully and has complemented Ajinkya Rahane at the top,” he shared.

“Washington Sundar bowling in the Powerplay under pressure has been amazing. Jaydev Unadkat bowling at the death and bowling at the top has been outstanding,” Smith added.

The Rising Pune Supergiant next take on the Delhi Daredevils on May 12. A win against DD could well go on to confirm a spot in the playoffs that begin on May 16.