Dhoni sacked! Rising Pune Supergiants appoint Smith as captain

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, former Indian skipper, is not going to lead Rising Puner Supergiants in the upcoming edition of Indian Premier League 7.

Australia skipper Steve Smith will replace Dhoni as the captain in this year's Indian Premier League (IPL), the franchise said on Sunday.

Former India captain Dhoni led the now-suspended Chennai franchise to Twenty20 league title victories in 2010 and 2011 but under his captaincy Pune finished second last in their maiden IPL season last year.

"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 franchisee owner Sanjiv Goenka said in a statement.

"He is supportive of the decision keeping the franchisee's best interests in mind."

It is believed, Dhoni has extended his full co-operation and is ready to help Smith in decision-making on the field. While Dhoni is likely to keep his place in the side, the wicketkeeper-batsman is expected to bat up the order during the 10th season.

Dhoni captained Pune in their debut season last year, where the team managed to win just five of their 14 games and finished seventh in the points table.

It was the first time under his captaincy that a team failed to make it into the knockout stage. Last season’s score was his lowest score in the history of IPL.