Steve Smith should be proud of what he has done this season: Ricky Ponting

The Rising Pune Supergiant had almost created history of winning the Indian Premier League for the first time. They came very close to registering the win but fell short by just 1 run. Going into the final over of the match, RPS were very much in the hunt with skipper Steve Smith and batsman Manoj Tiwary at the crease. Smith was batting on an unbeaten fifty when he was dismissed in the final over by Mumbai Indians pacer Mitchell Johnson.

He was looking very upset when he had to walk out of the ground within a striking distance of victory. Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting believes that he was unlucky to have ended on the losing side. Ponting, as per the quotes in cricket.com.au, noted that he felt sorry for Steve Smtih after the game. He added that the best shot he played on the day saw him getting out in the final over.

“I actually feel a little bit sorry for him with the way that the final unfolded. You had him trying to win the game there at the end and … couldn’t get it done. You could just see with that final (over), it just sums Steve Smith up now. He wanted to be the man, he wanted to be in there at the end, he wanted to get his team across the line,” quoted Ponting.

“Unfortunately for him, probably the best shot played in the whole the game (was the shot he went out on); off Mitch Johnson, around the wicket, inside-out over cover, (he) picks out Ambati Rayudu on the deep cover boundary and the chance for his team to get across the line (was) slowly slipping away,” he added further.

Keep the head high

Elaborating his point, Ponting remarked that the reactions of Steve Smith said it all after the game. He was utterly disappointed to have lost it with a run’s margin. He, however, mentioned that the Australian skipper must be proud of his achievement. The way he carried the team to the finals is commendable. Also, he must be happy that he thrived under pressure situations and had the big opportunity of leading the team.

“You could see with his reaction when he was dismissed, he knew there was an opportunity for him to create something special for his franchise. So he’d be gutted but he should be also very proud of what he’s done. To get his team, in only their second year in the tournament, into the final was just a remarkable effort. He should be very proud. He’s had a good tournament. I love the fact he was given the captaincy as well, he’s thrived and relished that opportunity,” Ponting conceded.