IPL 2017: Rising Pune Supergiant owner's brother faces flak on Twitter for 'disrespecting' MS Dhoni

Pune, April 7: Riding over fifties of captain Steve Smith and opener Ajinkya Rahane, Rising Pune Supergiant defeated Mumbai Indians by seven wickets in their first game of Indian Premier League (IPL) season 10, here on Thursday (April 6). ()

IPL Special Site; Squads; Photos" title="Pune Vs Mumbai: Highlights; IPL Special Site; Squads; Photos" />Pune Vs Mumbai: Highlights; IPL Special Site; Squads; Photos

Chasing 185 for a win, Pune reached the total with a ball to spare in a tense finish as they reached 187 for 3 in 19.5 overs.

Requiring 13 off the final over with MS Dhoni and Smith present at the crease, Pune were the favourites in the nail-biting thriller. Contrary to the popular perception, it was Smith who smashed two sixes on fourth and fifth deliveries to get his side over the line.

As Smith continued his brilliant form on the Indian soil, RPS owner's brother Harsh Goenka couldn't stop his happiness in praising Smith. But Goenka's comparison of Smith and Dhoni didn't go down well with Dhoni fans who criticised him.

Goenka's tweet (which he deleted after facing flak):

Here's how fans slammed Goenka:

Mr @hvgoenka
Sad to see such statement from you, from now onwards I'm going to boycott all your products. Pls RT if you're with me! #RPSvMI pic.twitter.com/eVHWcL11Wx

— GodsLonelyMan (@GodsLonelyMan06) April 6, 2017

This is how Goenka tried to calm down MS Dhoni fans who started trolling him:

You are right. Dhoni is a great batsman. But today was Smiths day. https://t.co/BxK4i1aAq8

— Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) April 6, 2017

I agree with you, Dhoni is a star. Has led India to glory. And the whole nation including me consider him my hero. https://t.co/J0o8oGvJef

— Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) April 6, 2017

But there were also those who hailed Smith for his brilliant innings. Smith smashed seven fours and three sixes from 54 balls for his unbeaten 84 while Rahane hit 60 from 34 balls with the help of six fours and three sixes as the duo raised 58 runs from the second wicket to set up the win.

As the match finished in a typical T20 style fans and cricket enthusiasts couldn't stop themselves from talking about the match.

Here's how former cricketers hailed Smith on Twitter:

Michael Clarke:

Brilliant finish. Steve Smith take a bow. @RPSupergiants off to a great start.

— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) April 6, 2017

Anjum Chopra:

Steve Smith...What a great form he is in and making it count. Yet another match winning knock @IPL Outstanding @stevesmith49 @RPSupergiants

— Anjum Chopra (@chopraanjum) April 6, 2017

Aakash Chopra:

Steve 'Unstoppable' Smith. Rinse. Repeat. Rinse. Repeat. I dare him to bat with his eyes closed in the next game 🙈😊 #RPS #RPSvMI #IPL

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) April 6, 2017

Sanjay Manjrekar:

Didn't take too long to have our first nail biter in the #VIVOIPL 2017.

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) April 6, 2017

Ayaz Memon:

Taut match, rousing finish! if Steve Smith continues in this rich vein, he may be anointed Peshwa by the end of the season! #IPL2017 pic.twitter.com/97PLo65Fuj

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) April 6, 2017

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