IPL 10: Steve Smith sits out against DD due to stomach bug

Rising Pune Supergiant skipper Steve Smith won’t be part of the playing XI in their 3^rd match of the tournament against the Delhi Daredevils. It was strange for all the viewers to witness Ajinkya Rahane walk out in the middle for the coin toss with Zaheer Khan. Smith played a sensational innings in the opening encounter to get his side off to a winning start in IPL 10. Interim captain Rahane conceded that stomach bug is the reason which has kept Smith out of the playing XI.

It isn’t the first time that an Australian has been down by a stomach bug in India as opener Matt Renshaw had to leave the field midway through the opening Test in Pune. He was severely criticised by the former Australian players but played some sensible innings through the rest of the series. Smith’s absence will surely be a worry for RPS as the Aussie captain has been in the form of his life.

“We will look to bowl. The wicket looks really good. There was dew in the last game we played here and hence the decision to field. Unfortunately, Smith is not well and I had to step in. It is an opportunity for the boys and hopefully, we will do well. Stomach bug keeps Smith out. Unfortunately, Manoj Tiwary lost his father today and he is out. Zampa comes in for Daniel Christian,” Rahane told Ravi Shastri during the toss time.

Here is the Playing XI of both the teams