Punjab Kings all-rounder Odean Smith has showered praise on Mayank Agarwal for backing him to the hilt.
Smith was smashed for two sixes by Rahul Tewatia when 12 runs were needed off the last two balls, which must have dented the West Indian’s confidence. However, Agarwal once again put his weight behind Odean Smith as he gave him the last over against Mumbai Indians at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune on Wednesday.
But Smith didn’t start well after Jaydev Unadkat smashed him for a six on the first ball of the last over when 22 runs were needed. However, the all-rounder was able to bounce back stronger as he dismissed Unadkat on the third ball of the over.
Subsequently, he also accounted for Jasprit Bumrah and Tymal Mills with short pitched deliveries. Thus, Smith returned with impressive bowling figures of 4-30, which is his best in the T20 format. Smith would have certainly grown in confidence after defending 22 runs in the final over.
Odeon Smith said in the post-match press conference, “They have been very motivating. They have helped me mentally to be able to come into this game and put in the performance today. They have been a major help for me. I would like to thank the coach.”
“Captain Mayank has been amazing. He has always come to me and told me that he is backing me a 100 percent, no matter what happens. It’s just for me to believe that I can do it because I have the belief of the entire team behind me.”
Smith revealed Shikhar Dhawan told him that he will be bowling the last over and thus he made his plans accordingly and backed his skills in the crunch situation.
“Shikhar (Dhawan) told me I was probably going to bowl the last over, so I had made my plans – what I was going to do. I asked him a few questions about what the batters would do. So I was clear going out there. I backed my best balls and just went with the plan.”
Meanwhile, Smith is well-known for his pyrotechnics and had impressed in the T20 series agianst India prior to the IPL 2022 mega auction. However, Smith considers himself as a bowling all-rounder.
“I consider myself to be a bowling all-rounder. I have good batting capabilities. So my role is to go out there and basically finish games. I help the team to get to a good total.”
PBKS will next face Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy on Sunday.
