It's incredible to see how much Indians love their cricket & movies: Steve Smith

AUSSIE SKIPPER Steve Smith has stated that India has become his “home away from home”. Courtesy of a four-match Test series followed by IPL, the prolific batsman spent the better part of 2017 in India.

The Rising Pune Supergiant captain mentioned about the warm reception of the Indians across the country. Speaking to Hindustan Times, Smith said, 

“I love India, and I really enjoy being here for long periods while playing. We come so often, it has almost become my home away from home. I even have favourite restaurants. The food’s a bit spicy for me, but I can certainly make out the difference between North Indian cuisine and a South Indian preparation. Outside, the temperature takes a toll on you, but the warmth of the people makes up for that.”

He also conceded that he was struck by the beauty of Dharamsala but went on to call Pune his favourite, owing to his affiliation with the city.

“Dharamsala is beautiful, but I must be politically correct, and being a Rising Pune Supergiant, say Pune’s my favourite city in India! Honestly, my second innings 100 in Pune recently is something I rate as one of my best ever…and us going on to win that Test match was fantastic!”

Smith added that he loves the enthusiasm that the Indians have for sports, movies etc.

“I honestly didn’t know what to expect. But the passion people have for the game of cricket makes it so enjoyable for a professional cricketer to be here. I asked to pick one thing I love about Indians, it’d have to be their enthusiasm for everything: cricket, movies and life in general. If I have friends visiting, I’d like to take them to a cricket match…you can’t see India through my eyes without experiencing the crowds and noise at a game.”

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