IPL 2021: Steve Smith Will Bat In Top Three If He Gets An Opportunity  - Ricky Ponting

Head coach of the Delhi Capitals, Ricky Ponting said that if Steve Smith is selected in the playing eleven, then he will surely bat in the top 3. Steve Smith was bought by the Capitals in the February auction for INR 2.2 crore; he was released by Rajasthan Royals after they finished at the bottom of the points table last season.

The Australian had a terrific start to the IPL 2020 smashing a couple of fifties, but then it fell off the cliff with just one more score of fifty in the next 12 innings, as he shuffled himself, and the batting order throughout the tournament.

Ricky Ponting says that Smith is ‘very keen’ to bat again the IPL. However, there is stiff competition for him as not only Delhi has a strong overseas contingent but also has multiple Indian top-order options.

“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. 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,” Ricky Ponting was quoted by cricket.com.au as saying.

“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,” he added.

Even if he doesn’t play, he will be great for our group: Ricky Ponting

The 46-year-old World Cup-winning skipper reckons even if Smith is not playing, he will be helpful for players in the squad, especially youngsters, to learn plenty from him given his vast experience.

“(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,” Ricky Ponting concluded.

The Capitals, who reached the final for the first time last season, will commence their IPL 2021 campaign on April 10th against MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings in Mumbai.

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