Mahendra Singh Dhoni who had already quitted the captaincy from International Cricket has now been removed as Rising Pune Supergaints (RPS) captain from Indian Premier League (IPL).The decision comes a day before the players auctions scheduled to be held in Bengaluru.

The Australian skipper right-handed batsman Steve Smith has been appointed as the new captain for Rising Pune Supergaints. The owner of Rising Pune Supergaints Sanjiv Goenka said, “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 continues to be an integral member of our team. He is supportive of the decision keeping the franchise’s best interests in mind,” Goenka added.