IPL 2022: Odean Smith reveals how Punjab Kings captain Mayank Agarwal backed him even after heart-breaking defeat against Gujarat Titans

Only a few nights ago, Odean Smith had become a villain for Punjab Kings after conceding two sixes off his final two deliveries to lose the game for his side. What made matters worse is the fact that the third last ball would’ve been a dot ball had he not tried to casually run out the non-striker and it’d have made the equation impossible for Gujarat Titans.

Needing 12 to win off the last two deliveries, Rahul Tewatia adjusted for Odean Smith’s wide line and smashed two sixes to win the game in jaw-dropping fashion and sinking the hearts of PBKS fans. At the post-match press conference, Mayank Agarwal was asked his thoughts about Odean Smith’s final over, to which he replied ‘It’s just a game of cricket.’ The PBKS batter also mentioned that anybody could have a bad day and it’s okay, the team will continue to trust the player.

Against Mumbai Indians, in the most recent match, Odean Smith redeemed himself in ecstatic fashion. He picked up three wickets in the final over to help his side win the game by 12 runs. At the post-match press conference, the West Indies all-rounder was asked about what motivation he had received from the coach and the captain following the disappointment against Gujarat Titans.

He said, “They have been very motivating. They have helped me mentally to be able to come into this game and put in the performance today. They have been a major help for me. I would like to thank the coach.”

Shedding light on Mayank Agarwal’s impressive leadership, Odean Smith also added that, “Captain Mayank has been amazing. He has always come to me and told me that he is backing me a 100 percent, no matter what happens. It’s just for me to believe that I can do it because I have the belief of the entire team behind me.”

Despite the nightmare he endured against GT the previous match, Mayank Agarwal wasn’t afraid to hand the ball to Odean Smith to bowl the final over. When asked what was going through his head when bowling the last over, Odean Smith mentioned that he had already made plans after being informed by Shikhar Dhawan.

“I asked him (Dhawan) a few questions about what the batters would do. So, I was clear going out there. I backed my best balls and just went with the plan,” he concluded.