Rising Pune Supergiants have removed MS Dhoni as the captain and replaced him with Steve Smith for this year’s Indian Premier League.

The move comes just a day before the big IPL Auction and 2 months after MS Dhoni stepped down as India’s ODI and T20 captain.

While there was a big debate over whether Dhoni was axed or he stepped down, the owner of the Pune franchise cleared the air.

Sanjiv Goenka, owner of the Pune franchise, said in a statement,

“

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.

”

“

I have the highest regard for MS Dhoni as a leader and a person. Dhoni will continue to be an important part of our team. He is supportive of the decision keeping the franchisee's best interests in mind.

”

The Supergiants had a horrible season of IPL last year, in which they won 5 and lost 9 games under Dhoni’s captaincy.

However, this comes as a shock to Dhoni fans as he led the suspended Chennai Super Kings to numerous victories, including 2 IPL wins, 2 Champions League T20 wins and 4 runner-up spots in the IPL. 

The 10th edition of the IPL begins on April 5, 2017, with the IPL Auction taking place on February 20, 2017.

Fast. Lite. Innovative. Shareable. Download our  HW Cricket app!