IPL 2022: In a conversation with NDTV, Punjab Kings all-rounder Odean Smith named one player who he sees as an inspiration and he also revealed his expectations from the ongoing season.
Fans all across the world saw what Odean Smith is capable of when he hit a match-winning knock of 25 runs off eight balls to help Punjab Kings beat Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.
Odean Smith spoke with NDTV about his aspirations for the upcoming season, citing Andre Russell as an example. The West Indies all-rounder also stated that he intends to learn and evolve as a player during the ongoing event.
Andre Russell is one of the people I’ve looked into. In most T20 games, we have a similar role to play in terms of bowling fast and then scoring a few boundaries at the end of the innings. He has been a source of motivation for me. Smith told NDTV, “I think he will always be that inspiration to propel me ahead.”
When asked about his knock against RCB and whether it will hold him in good stead in the entire competition, the 25-year-old say: “Well, I helped my team to register victory against the RCB but I am not going to say that this performance will hold me in good stead in the entire competition.
Odean Smith of PBKS said of the IPL 2022, “Andre Russell has always been my motivation.” According to NDTV,
I have a lot of work to do, and my staff has a lot of work to do as well. I just walked out there and knew exactly what I needed to do: get the bat on the ball. That’s precisely what I did there.”
Odean Smith bowled a delivery at 148.8 kmph in the game against RCB. Which is one of the quickest deliveries this season. Smith stated that bowling fast is his passion. But that it is more vital to execute effectively than to continue bowling fast.
“Yes, bowling quickly has always been an interest of mine. But, in the end, it isn’t at the top of my priority list. It’s more about execution than speed when it comes to bowling. But running in and bowling fast has always been a fascination of mine “Smith stated.
“So far, everything has gone swimmingly. PBKS is an excellent team, with a lot of youthful excitement that gives us the X-factor in this battle. It’s been great since I’ve been here, and hopefully we’ll maintain that level of enthusiasm throughout the competition. I haven’t had much experience with franchise competition. I’ve only ever played in the CPL. In terms of player quality and quantity. The IPL is one of the top T20 competitions in the world “Further, he stated.
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The West Indies all-rounder heaped admiration on PBKS captain Mayank Agarwal, noting that he knows how to keep his cool under pressure. “Mayank is a laid-back captain with a cool demeanor. He’s one of those athletes who can keep his cool under duress. I’ve talked to him a lot about batting throughout the training sessions, and it’s been great chatting to him. He’s a fantastic skipper “Smith stated.
