Riyan Parag has a great future: Smith

Newly-appointed Rajasthan Royals captain Steve Smith was all praise for the 17-year-old Riyan Parag who was associated in a 70-run fourth wicket partnership with him to lay the foundation of the five-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians in an IPL match here Saturday.

"He (Parag) played with cool head, he is calm, cool and composed. In the previous matches he had batted the same way, he works very hard, he is big and strong young kid. He came out and played with that freedom, saw the ball and hit the ball did not worry about anything, just played the game," Smith said after his side's victory.

"I think he has got some terrific skills with the ball too. He bowled really in his first game against Chennai and bowled pretty well today also. The kid learns really quickly and that is sign of a really good player and someone who has a great future," said Smith about the Assam youngster who showed great application.

Smith also praised Ajinkya Rahane from whom he took over the captaincy on ...