Steve Smith : No issues between Dhoni and me
Rising Pune Supergiant skipper Steve Smith has clarified that he is still on good terms with Mahendra Singh Dhoni and that there are no problems with the former skipper of the franchise. Smith refused to be drawn into a conversation about the ongoing 'friends no more' debate with Virat Kohli.
On the eve of the IPL auction on March 19, Rising Pune Supergiant handed the reigns of the Pune team to Steven Smith in place of MS Dhoni, who had led the team in their first season last year. The decision led to some outrage from former cricketers and fans alike considering the stature Dhoni holds as a captain. Smith, however, said that there is no bad blood between him and MSD.
Speaking at an event in New Delhi, Smith said, "There are no issues between MS Dhoni and me. We have shared some messages, MS is very supportive and it doesn't change my professional relationship with him or anyone else.”
The Pune team consisted of players from the suspended Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals but failed to impress in their first season finishing seventh on the table. This will be the first time in the 10 years of the IPL that "Captain Cool" will play under a captain.
"It will be great to have so many great leaders from different countries, it's a big plus and not a hindrance.
"I have plenty of guys to talk to, but I will not seek too many opinions. Seeking too many opinions can cloud your own
Smith was asked if he falls in Virat Kohli’s 'couple of people category' referring to Kohli’s tweet, but he carefully avoided the question and said that it’s probably a question for Kohli to answer.
“Not too sure. That’s probably a question for Virat. Look the series is done and dusted and I spoke about it after the game as well. India outplayed us and won the series 2-1, and I am moving on from that now. I am ready to take reigns of Pune and get into the tournament. It’s time to move on,” Smith said.
Speaking at the event, Supergiant owner Sanjeev Goenka said, "MS is joining us on April 3 in Pune. The team has been in constant touch with him and it is very amicable. A lot has been discussed about captaincy but I can say that Mahi has got one of the sharpest brains. I have worked with him before and I am his biggest fan."
"There is complete togetherness, complete unity in the team. I see a very good bonhomie."
On being asked for a reason for appointing Smith as the captain, Goenka said, "When you appoint a captain you do with full trust and confidence. I have admired the way Steve has led Australia over the last few months."
Indian Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has praised MS Dhoni calling him a great inspiration. While talking about the upcoming season, Rahane said that the Pune fans should expect a better showing from the team this time around.
"I am quite in sync with the team structure as this will be my second year with Rising Pune Supergiant. Our team is well balanced with a good mix of talent from both national and international players.
"Ben Stokes is one of the most talented all-rounders in the world and we hope to get good support from him. Imran Tahir's inclusion is definitely going to strengthen our bowling department and will lend variety to the team."
Pune will start their campaign against Mumbai Indians on April 6.
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