Elaborating on his new role in the team, Stokes said, "I

am glad to be roped in by Pune team at the auction. I am hopeful to live up to the high expectation from fans in Pune as well as India. Playing for Rising Pune Supergiant is definitely going to be a high point of my career.

"This is a chance which I will work towards my team's advantage with stalwarts like MS Dhoni, Faf du Plessis, Ravichandran Ashwin and Steve Smith, to learn and enjoy the games at the same time."

Rahane and the rest felt the team is well balanced this time around.

"I am quite in sync with the team structure as this will be my second year with Rising Pune Supergiant. Our team is well balanced with a good mix of talent from both national and international players.

"Ben Stokes is one of the most talented all-rounders in the world and we hope to get good support from him. Imran Tahir's inclusion is definitely going to strengthen our bowling department and will lend variety to the team." On leading the side, Smith exuded exuberance.

"I am looking forward to my new responsibility with much integrity and fervor. My experience of playing in India has been wonderful so far. This year we also have a new member Ben Stokes with us who will balance experience and skill in right dose.

"High and orderly performance with good bowling, fielding and batting will be the benchmark for judging the team. We hope to make Pune proud with good cricket." Pune Supergiant also announced Motorola as the team sponsor for the upcoming league.

(This article has not been edited by DNA's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)