'He is a class player, and we have just played three games, so he will be fine.'
Rising Pune Supergiant skipper Steve Smith on Thursday came out in support of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who has struggled for runs in the first three games of this year's Indian Premier League.
"I am not bothered about his form. He is a class player, and we have just played three games, so he will be fine (with the bat) in the tournament," Smith told reporters ahead of his side's IPL match against Gujarat Lions in Rajkot, on Friday.
Former Pune skipper Dhoni has scored just 28 runs in three games including scores -- 12 not out, 5 and 11.
Smith said the last match against Delhi Daredevils was a disappointing one for him and his team as he could not play the game because of a stomach bug.
"It was a disappointing game for me and my team as I was not well while the team lost the game. Sometimes you get sick but now I have recovered and should be fine tomorrow," Smith said.
Praising South African leg-spinner Imran Tahir, Smith said, "He has been good with his economy and taking wickets, which is important for us. He is number one bowler in the world in T20s, he has good tricks in bowling, he knows his game very well.
"He has been a key player for us so far and would remain so in the remaining matches," the Australian skipper said.
Asked about Gujarat Lions all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who tormented Australia during the Test series last month, Smith said: "He is a quality player, he has been good in IPL and his inclusion would strengthen Gujarat Lion's batting and bowling".
Smith is confident that Pune can get back to winning ways after successive losses against Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Daredevils.
"It's a long tournament, we have played only three games and have to play eleven more games. We hope to get the winning momentum quickly," he said.
