Punjab player calls Andre Russell an 'inspiration'

Odean Smith has been in superb form of late. His exploits in the recently concluded limited-overs series against India helped him fetch an Indian T20 league contract, as Punjab acquired his services for a whopping amount of INR 6 crore. Besides, it wouldn't be an overstatement to call him a complete package.

The all-rounder was sensational during Punjab's game against Bangalore, as his cameo with the bat ensured that the 2014-finalists ended up on the winning side. He scored 25 off just eight deliveries as Punjab chased 206 to win their first game of the Indian T20 league 2022. It is to be noted that Smith's idol is Andre Russell.

While speaking to NDTV, he mentioned that the Kolkata all-rounder is someone who he looks up to. Smith also mentioned that both of them play the same roles in the shortest format of the game. He stated Russell was an "inspiration" for him.

“I think Andre Russell is one of those I have looked up to. 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,” said Odean Smith.

As far as Russell is concerned, then he has been one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of the Indian T20 league as he has won two MVP titles. He has been one of Kolkata's key players for a really long time. In the meanwhile, Smith drew light on his knock that helped Punjab beat Bangalore. He also stated that he still has a lot of work to do for his team.

“I helped my team to register a victory against Bangalore 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 the stuff to do. I just went out there and I knew what I had to do and that was to get the bat onto the ball. That is exactly what I did out there,” he added.