Former Australian skipper and Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting has confirmed that Steve Smith will bat within the prime three within the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 if the batsman will get into the enjoying XI.
With Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis and South Africa tempo duo Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje in pink sizzling kind, Smith has to battle it out for the one abroad spot.
“I think the fact that he’s been released from the franchise that he’s been at for a long time will make him a bit hungry as well this year,” cricket.com.au quoted Ponting as saying.
“So, if he gets an opportunity with us — I think it will be in the top three somewhere — if he gets an opportunity, I’m sure he’ll have a great year for us,” he added.
Smith, who had a disappointing IPL season final yr, is “very keen” to get out on the sector and present what he has acquired for the Capitals.
“I caught up with him (recently), he’s very, very keen to go out there and perform well,” stated Ponting.
“Obviously the other side of that is there’s a big auction again next year, so if he happens to have a really good IPL this year, then I’m sure that that price is going to go up for the coming season,” he added.
The former Australian skipper feels the mere presence of Smith within the Delhi Capitals camp is sufficient for the facet, contemplating the data the star batsman has of cricket.
“(It’s) great to have him as a part of our squad. As I said — even if he doesn’t play, for instance, to have someone like that around with his sort of knowledge on the game and the T20 game, will be great for our group. I can’t wait to work with him again,” stated Ponting.
Earlier within the day, Nortje and Rabada arrived in Mumbai to hitch the Delhi Capitals (DC) squad. Rishabh Pant-led DC will start their IPL 2021 marketing campaign in opposition to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 10.
