Ricky Ponting, the head coach of the Delhi Capitals, has stated that if Steve Smith is selected for the playing XI, he will bat in the top three positions in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL 2021). Smith must compete for the one overseas slot against Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis and South African pace pair Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje, who are all in red-hot form.
“I think the fact that he’s been released from the franchise where he’s been for a long time will make him a little hungry this year,” Ponting said, according to cricket.com.au.
“So, if he gets a chance with us — I guess it’ll be right in the top three — if he gets an opportunity, I’m sure he’ll have a fantastic year with us,” he said.
Smith is “very eager” to get back on the field and prove what he has for the Capitals after a frustrating IPL season last year.
“I just caught up with him, and he’s very, very keen to get out there and do well,” Ponting said.
“Obviously, the other side of that is that there’s a major auction again next year,” he said. “If he has a very good IPL this year, I’m sure the price will go up for the coming season.”
Given Smith’s cricket experience, the former Australian skipper believes Smith’s mere presence in the Delhi Capitals camp is sufficient for the team.
It’s awesome to have him on our team. As I previously said, even though he does not participate, having someone with his level of knowledge of the game and the T20 community around would be beneficial to our party. “I’m looking forward to working with him again,” Ponting said.
Nortje and Rabada arrived in Mumbai earlier in the day to join the Delhi Capitals (DC) team. DC will kick off their IPL 2021 campaign on April 10 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, led by Rishabh Pant.