IPL 2022 - "Andre Russell Has Always Been My Inspiration": PBKS' Odean Smith To NDTV

The fans across the globe got to see what Odean Smith is all about when he played that match-winning knock of 25 runs off eight balls to take Punjab Kings over the line against the Royal Challengers Bangalore on Sunday at the Wankhede Stadium. Speaking to NDTV, Odean Smith opened up on his expectations from the ongoing season and he also named Andre Russell as his inspiration. The West Indies all-rounder also said that he wants to use the ongoing tournament to learn and grow as a player.

"I think Andre Russell is one of those I have looked up on. We have a similar role to play in most T20 games and in terms of bowling fast and then hitting a few boundaries at the back end of the innings. He has been an inspiration to me. I think he will always be that inspiration to drive me to go forward," Smith told NDTV.

When asked about his knock against RCB and whether it will hold him in good stead in the entire competition, the 25-year-old said: "Well, I helped my team to register victory against the RCB but I am not going to say that this performance will hold me in good stead in the entire competition. I have a lot of work to do and as a team, we have stuff to do. I just went out there and I knew what I had to do and that was to get bat onto the ball. That is exactly what I did out there."

In the game against RCB, Odean Smith bowled a delivery at a speed of 148.8 kmph and it is one of the fastest deliveries this season. Smith said that bowling fast is his passion, but the important thing is to execute well rather than to keep bowling fast.

"Yes, I have always been passionate about bowling fast. But at the end of the day, it is not on the top of my list. It is more about execution than bowling fast. But it has always been a