Rising Pune Supergiant captain Steve Smith said that his team has the confidence going into the the Indian Premier League (IPL) final against Mumbai Indians, having beaten them in three games in this edition.
Coach Stephen Fleming, however, reminded that both sides have played good cricket so far and whoever plays better game on Sunday will be the winner.
Smith observed that he would look both ways at his team getting the three-day break before the final after beating Mumbai in the play-offs and became the first to qualify for the final.
“After a good win in Mumbai it (break) was good and we all had a good training session here before the final,” he added.
Speaking about M. S. Dhoni, Smith reminded that the former is one of the most successful players and felt that the final tomorrow is another opportunity for him.
“What we have to appreciate is that he has been around for so long and always sharing his points of view which are really helpful to the team,” he said.
“Personally, playing in IPL has been lot of fun for me, played good cricket, worked with MS a lot, trying to get the best and hope to have one big day tomorrow,” Smith commented.
Smith praised Washington Sundar and said that the youngster was in fantastic form against Mumbai, facing some quality players.
“It was an acid test for guys like him and he did really well.”
Smith added: “We have had a very good, successful season as did Mumbai. And, hope to have a good first IPL final personally tomorrow.”
Fleming showered praise both on Dhoni and Smith.
“Performances are the key and both have been outstanding and have been a great influence on the younger players in the side. Just hoping they will come good as we gear up for the big challenge ahead. I am quietly confident,” the Pune coach commented.
“Most of the coach’s job is done before the start of the IPL when the auction takes plays where the right combinations are looked for. We were lucky enough to get them n ths edition. I would just tell the boys to enjoy the final,” Fleming added.
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