Rising Pune Supergiant skipper Steve Smith has finally opened up about his relationship with former franchise captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni in an interview with iplt20.com. The Aussie cricketer has described his relationship with Dhoni as “pretty chilled out.”
“It’s pretty chilled out with him. He has been fantastic and has had a few valuable contributions with the bat and he is hitting the ball really well.”
Dhoni was removed as RPS captain one day ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2017 auction in favour of Smith, triggering a controversy – but there actually seems to be nothing in it. Both players have operated well in tandem.
The Aussie also asserted that the wicketkeeper-batsman has played a major role behind the franchise’s recent successful run where they have won six out of last seven games.
“MS Dhoni has been fantastic as he knows the game incredibly well out here. As a wicket-keeper, it is nice to have someone out there who can look at the angles and get them right. He has done that well for us and I’m sure he will continue to make a big impact and help me and the rest of the boys and hopefully have more success in the rest of this tournament.”
The Ranchi lad’s lighting-quick glove-work also received heavy praise. Smith said: “Look, he’s incredibly quick behind the stumps and his hands don’t go back at all, they just stay there and collect the ball.”
“He has done that for a very long time now and has done it once or twice for us in this tournament so far and is doing a great job for the team,” he added.
Feature Image: BCCI