IPL 2021: Ricky Ponting Admits Steve Smith Is Hungry To Do Well For The Delhi Capitals

Steve Smith and Ricky Ponting go way back as Australian cricketers and they would reunite in IPL 2021 in the Delhi Capitals. Delhi Capitals secured Steve Smith’s services for the 14th edition of the marquee T20 league at a reasonable price of INR 2.2 crores. Ricky Ponting underlined that the 31-year old is quite hungry to perform well for the Capitals.

Steve Smith served as Rajasthan Royals’ captain in IPL 2020; however, the franchise could not flourish, finishing at the bottom of the points table. The right-handed batsman’s own form with the bat was underwhelming as he managed only 325 runs in 14 matches at 25. However, Smith remains a big-ticket player, regardless of his form and Delhi Capitals would hope to go one step ahead after finishing as runners-up last year.

Ricky Ponting opines that having been released from the Rajasthan Royals, Steve Smith would be keen to prove his worth. The 164-Test veteran said that if Smith plays, he would bat at the top three and backs him to perform well. Ponting revealed that he caught up with his fellow countryman, who is eager to get out there and do good and feels that if Smith bats exceptionally well this season, his price would go up in the next.

“I think the fact that he’s been released from the Rajasthan Royals that he’s been at for a long time will make him a bit hungry as well this year. 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. I caught up with him (recently), he’s very, very keen to go out there and perform well. 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,” Ponting told Cricket.com.au.

It’s great to have him as a part of our squad: Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting further said that Steve Smith is an asset to their setup and believes that even if the former Australian captain does not play, he would guide the youngsters in the group. Ponting highlighted that he cannot wait to work with Smith again.

“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,” he added.

Also Read: ‘Young As Ever’ AB de Villiers Raring To Go In IPL 2021