Steve Smith to take over MS Dhoni's captaincy in Indian Premier League
Sunday 19 February 2017 13:00, UK
Australia skipper Steve Smith will replace MS Dhoni as captain of Rising Pune Supergiants in this year's Indian Premier League.
Dhoni, who stepped down as India's limited-overs captain in January, led the now-suspended Chennai franchise to Twenty20 league title victories in 2010 and 2011.
Pune finished second last in their maiden IPL season last year under Dhoni's captaincy, though, and Smith - who leads Australia across all three formats of cricket - will now take over for the upcoming season.
"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," Pune franchise owner Sanjiv Goenka said in a statement.
"He is supportive of the decision keeping the franchise's best interests in mind."
Meanwhile, Smith's Australia team-mate and fast bowler Mitchell Starc has pulled out of this year's IPL, which begins on April 5.
"After a long summer and with a big tour of India still ahead I think it is in my best interests, both physically and mentally, for me to have a break, spend time with my family and take the opportunity to work on getting back to full fitness," Starc said.
