Rising Pune Supergiant skipper Steve Smith has full support in IPL: Rajat Bhatia

Rising Pune Supergiant skipper Steve Smith would have added motivation for Saturday’s Indian Premier League (IPL) clash as the Australian would get another chance to go one-up on Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli.

Kohli’s and Smith’s team were engaged in an acrimonious Test series, and although Kohli’s side emerged triumphant, Smith’s IPL side beat Royal Challengers Bangalore in their home. They would look to put it across Virat Kohli’s struggling side and make it 2-0 on Saturday as well.

Read | IPL 2017: Rising Pune Supergiants skipper Steve Smith won’t take MS Dhoni tips

Despite RCB’s poor run, Rising Pune Supergiant are wary of their opponents. “Every year there will be some team who will be struggling. So, as far as RCB is concerned, they are a strong side. You take any player from their team, anyone is good enough to win them the match. We are just looking to give our 100 % and put pressure on them because they are not winning those matches which they are supposed to win. We have to play to our potential,” Rising Pune Supergiant all-rounder Rajat Bhatia said on the eve of the match.

Read | Rising Pune Supergiants boss denies rift between MS Dhoni and Steve Smith

Bhatia said Smith has support from all quarters in the team as far as information on domestic players is concerned. “Smith is not leading (an IPL) team for the first time. He has led Rajasthan Royals before. He is getting help from all the departments. We have (coach Stephen) Fleming, Eric Simons (bowling coach) and MS Dhoni (ex-skipper). He must be getting help from everyone. He is very much sure about the team combination. As far as his captaincy is concerned, he is trying his best.

Read | ‘Steve Smith is captain but MS Dhoni is Rising Pune Supergiants IPL 2017 boss’

“I know it is difficult for a guy who is not from India to judge the domestic players. That’s one of the things you have to fight for. But people are there to help him.

“Our team talk is to go according to the plan. We are very positive in every game we play. It is all about 100 % and getting the best out of everyone,” said Bhatia.