If cricket is a religion, then the Indian Premier League (IPL) is arguably the biggest festive season of the year for Indian fans. With the tenth edition of the tournament slated to begin today, the excitement amongst fans has soared to an all time high.

While Indian fans find themselves divided in a bid to support their respective teams, the international cricketers from different countries and backgrounds also become a crucial part of the country's cricketing heritage.

IPL is a tournament that makes fans forget international rivalries and allows them to embrace overseas cricketers who are otherwise considered enemies. Australian captain Steven Smith's is a similar case.

© Twitter

The 27-year-old was India's public enemy no. 1 during the recently-concluded Test series which was filled with heated exchanges between the players. If that wasn't enough, the fact that he took over the reins from none other than MS Dhoni to captain Rising Pune Supergiant this season, only irked the cricket-frenzy nation.

While everyone has been eagerly waiting to see his camaraderie with the Indian players in the IPL, Smith has come up with his own plans to turn the tide in his favour.

What do you think of @stevesmith49 's new Puneri avatar? We are loving it! ? pic.twitter.com/HnxV5dQR6a

— RisingPuneSupergiant (@RPSupergiants) April 3, 2017

The Aussie skipper dressed up in traditional Marathi attire in what seems to be a bid to garner support from Punekars. The picture, where Ajinkya Rahane seems to be presenting Smith in the Puneri avatar, has taken over social media with fans lauding the Australian batting sensation.

Shared by the team’s official Twitter handle, with the caption: “What do you think of @stevesmith49‘s new Puneri avatar? We are loving it!”

Steve Smith emotional connect with Puneites?and that too in Local language Marathi??? pic.twitter.com/EEd7nZhf7Z

— Sunandan Lele (@sunandanlele) April 4, 2017

But that's not all. Smith didn't just sport Marathi attire; he also called fans for support in their local language. There's a video in which Smith adorably says: “aaplya team la support kara”.

Well, Smith surely looks like a dummy while speaking the local language, but we ought to give him some credit for trying his hand at Marathi.

@RPSupergiants @stevesmith49 @ajinkyarahane88 Omg?????
That's what I love abt IPL...players from abroad learning abt Our traditions...
Well done Smith...

— Pankaj  Nautiyal (@PankajN92034623) April 3, 2017

@RPSupergiants @stevesmith49 @ajinkyarahane88 Hahahahahah.... Pakka Puneri... Lai bhari.... Ekach number.

— Swapnil Kolhe (@bingo220) April 3, 2017

@RPSupergiants @ajinkyarahane88 @stevesmith49 Woow "Steve Tilak" Is Lookin' just awesome

— Shivani (@Dhoniolic7) April 4, 2017

@RPSupergiants @ajinkyarahane88 @stevesmith49 Great To See The Champ In Indian Clothing??

— UMMU (@STDI_VKJC) April 4, 2017