IPL 2017: Steve Smith admits MS Dhoni is helping him lead the team efficiently

What’s the story?

Steve Smith, the Rising Pune Supergiant skipper, recently spoke about how MS Dhoni has effectively helped him on the field in crucial situations and how well his ideas have taken the team one step closer to the playoffs.

He acknowledged MSD’s impact on the team by saying, “MS Dhoni has been fantastic as he knows the game incredibly well out here. As a wicket-keeper, it is nice to have someone out there who can look at the angles and get them right.

“He has done well for us and I’m sure he will continue to make a big impact and help me and the rest of the boys and hopefully have more success in the rest of the tournament.

“It’s pretty chilled out with him. He has been fantastic and has had a few valuable contributions with the bat and he is hitting the ball really well. I think he will come back to great form and have a bigger impact by the end of this IPL. I’m really excited about the next couple of games.”

In case you didn’t know...

In Pune’s second match against Mumbai Indians this season, they set a decent score of 160 on the board in the first innings. MI, guided by Rohit’s half century, needed just 24 runs in the last 12 balls. Smith, who was in a bit of fix then, did not hesitate to rush towards the man behind the stumps for some assistance.

And just like that, Dhoni’s guidance helped Ben Stokes reduce the equation to 17 from 6 balls.

But with two power-hitters, Rohit and Hardik waiting to strike the ball, Smith again went back to Dhoni and asked for advice. The legendary Indian batsman suggested some field changes towards the off side and ultimately Rising Pune Supergiant sealed the game by 3 runs.

The heart of the matter

Dhoni was unable to kick-off this year’s edition with big scores; he scored 12(12) in his first game which was followed by a poor 5(11) and 11(14) in the next two. The jury was out and Dhoni was criticised for the poor outings.

However, since the match against RCB and a promotion in the batting order, Dhoni has found his rhythm again. He scored a good 28(25) against the RCB, which was followed by 61(34), 23(11) and 21(17).

His knock of 61 runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad made a huge difference and that drove his team to a victory. This spark in Dhoni’s batting is an added advantage to the team, according to Smith.

With him being back in form, and with all the experience that the 35-year-old has, Smith believes Dhoni can have a bigger impact come the fag end of the tournament.

What’s next?

RPS next play the Gujarat Lions at home on Monday. They currently stand 4^th in the points table and are limping towards the playoffs. A win here would help them inch even closer to a spot in the eliminators.

Author’s Take

MS Dhoni’s ability to make quick and intelligent decisions, despite being under humongous pressure, is what made him famous as a captain. And since stepping down from the position, he has not shied away from passing down the tricks of the trade.

Under his guidance, Smith has been doing well as a captain and it’s impressive on the Australian’s part to give credit where it’s due.