Internet Desk: Rising Pune Supergiant have reached the Indian Premier League final for the first time. Steve Smith’s side will face the two time IPL champions Mumbai Indians in the high voltage final today. Before the final RPS head coach Stephen Fleming said it was the “outstanding” relationship between former India skipper MS Dhoni and Pune skipper Steve Smith, that have helped the side do well in this season.
“Between the two of them it has been outstanding,” Fleming told reporters on Saturday in Hyderabad, where the final will be battled out.
“Much (has been) made of the relationship. Certainly sitting with them, it has been influential for the youngsters, beneficial for the senior players, and it has been helpful for me.
“So it has been (a) great dynamic to be part of.”
Steve Smith replaced Mahendra Singh Dhoni as Rising Pune Supergiant captain in the current season of Indian Premier League.
There was a rumour that a cold war had happened between the two cricketing greats which was the main reason for Supergiant’s ordinary form earlier in the season.
Fleming, a former New Zealand skipper, also backed Dhoni this season, despite his renowned finishing power was under fire-power in this season.
“Dhoni is one of the most successful players in the last decade to have played. Another opportunity to win the final for him,” Fleming said of Dhoni, with whom he has closely worked since the IPL’s inception in 2008.
“He is up for it, very motivated. It has been good this year, he has played some cameo roles.
“He has been criticised for not doing as much, but what you have to appreciate is how good he was when he was doing it time and time again.”