Watch: Odean Smith smash back-to-back sixes off Shardul Thakur in the second ODI against India to further give a glimpse of his big-hitting skills with days to go for the IPL 2022 auction.
Playing in place of Kieron Pollard, who sat out due to a niggle, Smith gave a fine impression of himself upfront with the ball, conceding 29 runs in seven overs while also picking up the important wickets of Rishabh Pant and Virat Kohli. The all-rounder, who is also known for his big-hitting skills, had a strike rate of 227.02 in ODIs before the game to go with a strike rate of 163.33 in T20Is, with his all-round skills garnering attention from all quarters.
Making his ODI debut against Ireland earlier this year, Smith starred with the bat in all three matches, scoring an eight-ball 18, 19-ball 46 and a 10-ball 20*, respectively. He seemed to carry on his aggressive batting form against India in the second ODI as well, hitting Thakur for two successive sixes in the 40th over of the innings.
The fourth ball saw the West Indian smash a short delivery for a huge six over deep mid-wicket, while the second maximum on the very next ball was hit was acknowledged and appreciated by former India skipper Virat Kohli. Smith hit the length delivery well over long-on for a 91-metre six, to further give a glimpse of his brute power and skills.
He was eventually dismissed for 24 off 20 deliveries by Washington Sundar.
The cricketer came into the spotlight after a spectacular Caribbean Premier League last year, where he picked up 18 wickets and also played crucial cameos with the bat, scoring 126 runs at a strike rate of 132.63. The performances saw him get picked as a net bowler in the Indian Premier League by 2021 finalists Kolkata Knight Riders. His short cameo against India, thus, could not have come at a better time, with two days to go until the IPL 2022 auction. With all-rounders always in high demand in T20 leagues, and the might of West Indies batters well known, Smith could emerge as a much-sought-after player in the event.
