Devesh
Core Member
Former India skipper MS Dhoni has reportedly stepped down as the captain of Rising Pune Supergiants, and will be replaced by Australia's Steve Smith for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The decision comes on the eve of the player auction, on Sunday (February 19).
Dhoni, who recently stepped down from captaincy of India's limited-overs side, is the only player to have captained in every IPL match he has played.
The 35-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman, who had led Chennai Super Kings to two consecutive IPL titles in 2010 and 2011, apart from winning the Champions League T20, had turned the side into one of the most lethal forces in T20 club cricket in the world.
However, he couldn't find similar success with the Pune franchise in the last edition. They finished second-last on the points table with only five wins to their credit.
In order to reverse their fortunes, Pune have also released as many as 11 players from the side and are expected to be active in the player auction.
Dhoni steps down as Rising Pune Supergiants captain: Reports | Cricbuzz.com
Dhoni, who recently stepped down from captaincy of India's limited-overs side, is the only player to have captained in every IPL match he has played.
The 35-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman, who had led Chennai Super Kings to two consecutive IPL titles in 2010 and 2011, apart from winning the Champions League T20, had turned the side into one of the most lethal forces in T20 club cricket in the world.
However, he couldn't find similar success with the Pune franchise in the last edition. They finished second-last on the points table with only five wins to their credit.
In order to reverse their fortunes, Pune have also released as many as 11 players from the side and are expected to be active in the player auction.
Dhoni steps down as Rising Pune Supergiants captain: Reports | Cricbuzz.com
