Game-changer Dwayne Smith set for the challenge

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From being ignored in the auction to becoming one of the game-changers in IPL-5, Dwayne Smith has been the surprise package of the tournament.

The West Indian was drafted into the Mumbai Indians side after Australian Mitchell Johnson failed to recover in time following surgery on his big toe.

It has turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Mumbai as Smith got into the act straightaway, to script a sensational victory in his first outing, against the Chennai Super Kings in the league stage.

With 14 needed of the final three balls, Smith clubbed Ben Hilfenhaus for six and two fours to stun the defending champions.

And since then he has only got better and has been elevated to open the innings with Sachin Tendulkar.

So how hard has it been for him to perform at such a short notice? “It’s not really been a challenge,” said Smith on Tuesday, displaying the same calm demeanour off the field as well.

“I just had to get here and spend a lot of time playing my game. As long as I spend time, I know I can perform.

I actually thought I was going to be here with one of the teams from the beginning, but that didn’t happen,” he said.

Having returned to the West Indies side after a gap of two years for the T20 series against Australia in March, Smith hopes that his IPL showing will seal a spot in the ODIs and Tests.

“I hope it does happen. I’m sure the big guys (selectors) back home are watching as well. It is just for me to be consistent with my game,” he noted.

On Wednesday’s Eliminator against CSK, Smith felt neither team are the favourites going into the important match.

“We have to be consistent and get our game together and I’m sure everything will come out well on the night,’ the 29-year-old said.

Smith said opening with Tendulkar in the last league game against Rajasthan Royals was special. “I’ve shared the dressing room in the first season. There is a lot we share in the dressing room and I love to play with him.”