Ajinkya more chilled out than Virat, says Smith

Dharamsala, March 24: Australia’s Steve Smith felt Ajinkya Rahane will do a good job as skipper in the probable absence of Virat Kohli, terming the India vice-captain a “more chilled out guy” than his opposite number.

Asked how much India would miss Kohli’s leadership if he is forced to skip the series-deciding fourth Test, Smith showered accolades on his Rising Pune Supergiants team mate.

“No, I think they’ll be fine. I think Ajinkya Rahane will probably step up to captain their side. I thought he did a pretty good job last week (in Ranchi) when he was out on the field in Virat’s absence. So, I’m confident, he’ll be able to do a good job for them.”

Playing alongside Rahane has given Smith an opportunity to know him and his assessment is that the Mumbaikar is less emotional.

“He (Rahane) is probably a bit more chilled out, out on the field. Probably, not quite as emotional. But, no, look, I think he understands the game really well.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to play a fair bit of cricket with Ajinkya, and I think he reads the game and understands the game really well. So if Virat was to miss this Test match, then I’m sure the Indian side will still be in very good hands.”

The visiting captain praised Shreyas Iyer, Kohli’s possible replacement.

“He (Iyer) is pretty aggressive and he probably hit the first ball he faced for a six if I remember correctly. The knock was on a pretty good wicket, where there was not much of pace on the wicket in Mumbai and we didn’t play any of our frontline pacers (Starc and Hazlewood).

“So he played really well there. It is just one game but he definitely looks like a good player for future.”

Going into the match, Smith said the favourites tag doesn’t bother him one bit.

“I am not really bothered if we are the favourites or underdogs to be honest with you. It is a game of cricket, 1-1 in the series and everything to play for in this game,” the 27year-old Australian captain added.