No net gains for Smith with Ashwin

Australia captain Steve Smith has revealed the way in which international lines can be blurred in the Indian Premier League, with secrets out in the open and net-session mind games all part of the landscape.

Smith joins new franchise Rising Pune Supergiants for this year's edition of the IPL, where he is playing alongside MS Dhoni, Ravi Ashwin, Faf du Plessis and Kevin Pietersen, among others.

Quick Single: Hogg stars as KKR thump Delhi

With four international captains and a wealth of others to have played for their country, it's a melting pot of information – and occasionally disinformation.

Smith says Ashwin, who has given the Australians no end of trouble on the subcontinent in recent years, has consistently gone away from his stock off-breaks while bowling to the New South Welshman in the nets.

"It's a little different facing (Ashwin) in the nets," Smith told Cricbuzz after his side's first-up win over defending champs Mumbai Indians on Saturday night.

"He bowled a lot of leg-spinners. Maybe, he was trying to not give too much away with his off-spinners.

Quick Single: Fired-up Mitch ready to unleash in IPL

"He is obviously a quality bowler and has done well for a long period of time. Hopefully, he can make a big difference for us in this tournament."

Pressed on the matter of sharing information on his Australia teammates for an advantage in the IPL, Smith was unequivocal.

"I don't think it is a very sensitive area at all," he added. "There is so much footage about everyone these days (that) sharing a few things can't really hurt.

"Whichever team I am playing for, I want to do well, so if they want to ask about some Australian players, I will share as many things about their weaknesses as possible.

"It's great that we have so much experience in international captains. Obviously, Dhoni is the one who is in charge and he will do things his way here.

"I'm looking forward to working with him, to see how he goes about his business."