After a grueling Test series which saw many controversies, Australia captain Steve Smith, who would be leading the Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS) in the IPl, says he is ready to put all the controversies behind him.
"The Test series is done and dusted and we are moving on," he said.
India captain Virat Kohli had said in a press conference following India's victory in the final Test that he "no longer considers Aussie players as friends."
He clarified on Thursday that his comments were not directed at the whole Australian team but only a couple of players.
"My answer at the post match conference has been blown way out of proportion. I did not categorically say the whole Australian team but....," Kohli wrote in the first tweet.
"Only a couple of individuals. I continue to be in good terms with the few guys I know & who I've played with at RCB & that doesn't change," he wrote in his second tweet.
On being asked whether he is one of those players, Smith smiled and said, "That's for Virat to answer. I don't know if I am one of those couple of players Virat was hinting at in his tweet today."
He also brushed aside suggestions that Dhoni's sacking as RPS skipper and the presence of many former and current captains of various teams like Faf du Plessis (South Africa) and Ajinkya Rahane, who lead India in the final Test against Australia, would hamper the performance of his side. "My job becomes easier because of the presence of many leaders in the team. However, having too many opinions can sometimes make things more difficult. So, it's important to stay clear in the mind as to what needs to be done."
Smith expressed happiness at being given the opportunity to lead the side. "I feel very privileged to lead the group and we will work hard to succeed this season."
He also was full of praise for the effect of IPl on players. "IPl is highly beneficial for young cricketers. You get to share the dressing room with some of the greats of the game. It's a great learning experience for everyone involved."
On the question of whether his proficiency in playing spin in Test cricket, which saw him score three hundreds in the test series, could help him in IPl as well, Smith was cautious, "Playing spin in T20 cricket is a completely different challenge altogether. So, I will have to work hard."
Team owner Sanjeev Goenka, who was also present on the occasion, echoed the sentiments expressed by Smith. "The Tests are over. The team will be united in the IPl."
He also dismissed suggestions that Dhoni's absence at the press conference, coming after his unceremonious sacking, suggests disquiet on the part of former India captain. "Dhoni will join the team on April 3rd and will have a large output for the team. He is one of the shrewdest persons I have met. I am one of his biggest fans."
It was also announced on the occasion that Motorola are the new sponsors of RPS.
'Great to be a part of IPl'
He is the costliest player going into the IPl but English all-rounder Ben Stokes says he would have been equally committed to the success of his team had his price been much lower. "I have watched IPl a lot on TV. It's great to be a part of the tournament. I didn't know what to expect at the auction. Being the most expensive player, there is pressure on me and I will try my best. But I would have done the same even if I had been sold for just my base price," he said.
On the major differences between IPl and the English T20 Blast, Stokes said, "In England, the tournament doesn't involve franchisees. You don't get the experience of being around so many great players as you do in the IPl. English cricketers anyway don't get to play too many T20's in a year. IPl gives them more exposure to this kind of cricket. English players who have played in this tournament have plenty of good things to say about it when they return."
Stokes, who has emerged as one of the key players in the English team across formats, feels bowling in T20 presents a completely different challenge. "A lot depends on luck as far as bowling in T20s is concerned. You may bowl the same way in two matches but have completely different results. Tricks such as change of pace, change of line and length are very important. I have become lot better now and I back myself. It's important to commit to plans and try your best. If things still don't go your way, you shouldn't mind it very much."