In that season, Smith led the Pune squad which had Dhoni within the facet as Chennai Super Kings had been serving a two-year ban from the contest. The Smith-led RPSG narrowly neglected out at the identify that season through only one run.
“It was a great experience being able to captain him, but also very daunting as well,” Smith advised Star Sports.
Smith shall be a part of the remark workforce within the upcoming IPL season.
Recalling his stories of captaining the RPS and the way Dhoni performed a large function in that season, Smith mentioned: “When I got the call to say that they wanted me to captain, it was a little bit daunting. But that season, MSD was just wonderful. You know, he helped in any way that he could and he’s a terrific guy.”
Smith additionally spoke at the feelings he went thru when he used to be picked because the captain of the RPS workforce and the way he felt main an aspect with Dhoni in it.
“Yeah, I didn’t really know what to expect initially, you know, MS had captained every team he played for, obviously throughout the IPL with Chennai, every season should I say.
“But yeah, once they got here and requested me, I used to be a little bit bit stunned in the beginning, after which I did not in point of fact know what to mention. It used to be like, have you ever spoken to MS about this? This is a little bit bit atypical from my facet, however when we taken care of the whole thing out, MS used to be simply superb.
“And the way he helped me and helped guide that team that year was incredible. And yeah, I couldn’t thank him enough.”
Smith mentioned he used to be bouncing concepts off Dhoni.
“He was someone that I was bouncing ideas off. You know, being behind the stumps, he’s got a great, great view of the game. He understands the angles really well and obviously playing in India also, you know, it’s his home and he understands those conditions as well as anyone would.”
The Australian additional spoke about what he has been in a position to be told and emulate from Dhoni over time.
“I think just the calmness that MS shows, we saw it throughout his career, just how calm he was. It didn’t look like he was flustered by any emotions or anything like that.
“And that is for sure one thing that I’ve taken in no longer simply in that season, however simply gazing him pass about his industry within the prior years, simply how calm and comfy he used to be. And you realize, now and then I will get slightly agitated and such things as that.
“So you know, I have to try and keep myself as calm and as sort of level headed as I can. And yeah, that’s certainly something that I learned off of MS.”
(With inputs from PTI)