IPL 2017: Steven Smith won't turn to MS Dhoni for captaincy advice

IPL 2017: Steven Smith won't turn to MS Dhoni for captaincy advice any time soon

Rising Pune Supergiant captain Steve Smith speaks during a press conference in New Delhi on Thursday. Pic/AFP

India Premier League's (IPL) Pune franchise were earlier called Rising Pune Supergiants, but now they have dropped the 'S' and become a "Supergiant'. Well, their new skipper Steve Smith seems to be thinking along similar lines and feels that he will be the 'Supergiant' who will lead the team to glory in IPL 2017.

Former India skipper MS Dhoni, who was dropped as captain of RPS, but will be a part of the team this season, has vast knowledge about the game and IPL, having led Chennai Super Kings to the title twice. But Smith doesn't think he would turn to MSD for any captaincy tips.

The Aussie said that doesn't want to clutter his mind with too many ideas and won't turn to the three skippers in his side -- Dhoni, Faf du Plessis and Ajinkya Rahane for advice.

"I have plenty of guys to talk to, but I will not seek too many opinions. Seeking too many opinions can cloud your own judgement. I want to try and stay as clear as possible. But yes, if someone sees something and feels the need to point it out to me, they are more than welcome," Smith at an event in New Delhi on Thursday.

He though wanted to make it clear that there was no bad blood between him and Dhoni, who was replaced by Australian as skipper of side for the 10th edition of the Indian Premier League. "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," Smith said.

Rising Pune Supergiant captain Steve Smith (L), team owner Sanjiv Goenka (2L) and player Ajinkya Rahane (R) pose for a photograph with a team jersey as they welcome England's Ben Stokes (2L) to the team during a press conference in New Delhi on Thursday. Pic/AFP

Asked about how he felt playing with so many leaders in the same side, Smith said, "It will be great to have so many great leaders from different countries, it's a big plus and not a hindrance."

The prolific batsman was in the capital along with India's Ajinkya Rahane and the season's biggest signing, Ben Stokes, to unveil the Pune Supergiant's jersey for IPL 2017 and "formally welcome Stokes into the RPS family".

The change in captaincy appeared to have been prompted by Pune's ordinary outing last year when they finished seventh in
the points table after winning just five of their 14 matches.

MS Dhoni in action during IPL 9. File Pic

When asked to speak on Dhoni's removal from captaincy and if that would be a deterrent, Sanjiv Goenka, chairman, RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, sought to clear the air. "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."

(With agency inputs)