Rising Pune Supergiant will play their first IPL final on Sunday. (Source: Twitter)
Mumbai Indians are all set to take on Rising Pune Supergiant in the final of the tenth edition of Indian Premier League in Hyderabad. Rising Pune Supergiant captain Steve Smith during a press conference spoke about the side and also talked about the experience he got after working with Stephen Fleming and former Indian captain MS Dhoni.
“It’s been great to lead this side and reach an IPL final. I’ve enjoyed working with Stephen Fleming and MS Dhoni this year,” said Smith.
This is the first time that Rising Pune Supergiant have made a cut into the final of Indian Premier League after making their debut in the last edition.
The #IPL trophy 🏆 in all its glitz. All set for the pre #IPLfinal press conference pic.twitter.com/ohoU1WBg9U
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) 20 May 2017
Talking about MS Dhoni’s role, Smith said that Dhoni’s inputs have been really helpful for the side.
“It (the break) was good and we all had a good training session here before the final. What we have to appreciate is that he has been around for so long and has always been sharing his views which have been really helpful to the team,” quoted Steve Smith.
Steve Smith also talked about being a part of Indian premier League and hoped to have a good final on Sunday.
“Personally, playing in the IPL has been a lot of fun for me. I have played good cricket, worked with MS a lot, trying to get the best out and hope to have one big day tomorrow (Sunday). We have had a very successful season and so has Mumbai. I hope to have a good first IPL final personally,” said Steve Smith.
Rising Pune Supergiant coach Stephen Fleming hailed the contributions made by senior players and how they have been helpful for the youngsters.
“Performances are the key and both have been outstanding. They have been a great influence on the young players in the side. I just hope they come good as we gear up for the big challenge ahead. I am quietly confident,” Fleming quoted.
Talking his job, the former New Zealand skipper told that in IPL, a coach’s main job is to find right combinations.
“Most of the coach’s job is done before the start of the IPL when the auction takes place and the right combinations are looked for. We were lucky enough to get them this edition. I would just tell the boys to enjoy the final,” he added further.
Steve Smith-led side Pune registered a final berth after they defeated Mumbai Indians in the first qualifier.
Supergiant after batting first scored 162/4 in 20 overs after riding on Ajinkya Rahane’s 56 and Manoj Tiwary’s 58.
Later, Mumbai Indians were restricted to 142/9 in 20 overs despite a fighting effort from Parthiv Patel came into play. The left-handed wicket-keeper batsman scored 52 runs during the course.
Supergiant were led by MS Dhoni in 2016 edition of IPL but the Jharkhand player was sacked from his post earlier this year and the captaincy position was handed over to Australian skipper Steve Smith.
Rising Pune Supergiant have won all their matches against Mumbai Indians in this particular edition of IPL.
Mumbai on the other side marched into the finals after they defeated Kolkata Knight Riders in second qualifier.
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