IPL 2017: 5 factors for Rising Pune Supergiant's brilliant run

#2 Captain cool holding the innings

Smith is the fifth highest run-getter this IPL

Steve Smith’s presence in the batting order has brought solidity to Pune. Occupying the important position of number three, the Pune skipper has on most occasions anchored the innings and has kept the run rate at par.

Out of nine innings this season, Smith has scored a minimum of 20 runs in all but two games. And he has also been part of five fifty-plus run partnerships during his stay at the crease. A slow starter, Smith takes time to get going, but once set he looks invincible due to his solid technique and skills of manufacturing strokes from nowhere.

For Pune, he is the key player for holding the innings together and so far he has played that role to perfection by being the fifth highest run scorer this season.