After a fascinating performance on the first match of Indian Premier League (IPL) season, Odean Smith has praised his hero Andre Russell for being a big influence.
He scored 25 off 8 balls to help the Kings chase down a score of 205 to win. Smit was roped in by the franchise for 6 crores making him one of the costliest players to join the PBKS franchise.
Speaking to NDTV, Odean Smith opened up on his expectations from the ongoing season and he also named Andre Russell as his inspiration. He further said that he wants to learn and grow as a player from his first stint in the IPL.
“I think Andre Russell is one of those I have looked up on. We have a similar role to play in most T20 games and in terms of bowling fast and then hitting a few boundaries at the back end of the innings. He has been an inspiration to me. I think he will always be that inspiration to drive me to go forward,” Odean Smith told NDTV after winning the match for Punjab Kings.
While 36 were needed in three overs, Despite facing bowlers like Mohammed Siraj and Harshal Patel the job was done and dusted within two overs With he came up with three sixes and a four to make sure his team gets over the line.
“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. I have a lot of work to do and as a team, we have stuff to do. I just went out there and I knew what I had to do and that was to get bat onto the ball. That is exactly what I did out there” Smith added saying.
Andre Russell has been a sort of cult hero for the West Indies and the Kolkata Knight Riders in the past. Like Andre Russell’s all-round ability.
Odean Smith also has the capability to be a power-hitting player while he also can produce the goods with the ball. On a given day Andre Russell has been one of the best match winners in the IPL.
Punjab Kings take on Kolkata Knight Riders in their next game at the Wankhede Stadium on April 1.
In the game against RCB, Odean Smith bowled a delivery at a speed of 148.8 kmph and it is one of the fastest deliveries this season. Smith said that bowling fast is his passion, but the important thing is to execute well rather than to keep bowling fast.
“Yes, I have always been passionate about bowling fast. But at the end of the day, it is not on the top of my list. It is more about execution than bowling fast. But it has always been a passion to run in and bowl fast,” said Smith.