The former Indian skipper, MS Dhoni who stepped down from captaincy in the limited-overs format before the start of the England series, will now play only as a wicketkeeper-batsman in IPL too.
Dhoni has been removed as skipper of Rising Pune Supergiants for the upcoming IPL season and Australia’s Steve Smith will be the new skipper of the franchise.
Here’s why MS Dhoni has been removed from RPS captaincy:
Rising Pune Supergiants owner Sanjiv Goenka recently told PTI, “Dhoni has not stepped down. We have appointed Steve Smith as the skipper for the upcoming season. Frankly speaking, we did not have a good last season and we wanted someone young to lead the side and revamp it ahead of the upcoming season 10.”
Goenka further added, “I have the highest regard for MS Dhoni as a leader and a person. Dhoni continues to be an integral member of our team. He is supportive of the decision keeping the franchise’s best interests in mind.”
Also, Dhoni has been informed of the decision by the franchise. The former skipper has reportedly said that he will give his full co-operation to Smith in the IPL 2017.
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