Mahendra Singh Dhoni might have been replaced as the skipper of Rising Pune Supergiant for the ongoing tenth Indian Premier League but the former skipper, it seems, is still the main man in the team. From setting the field, advising youngsters to giving tips to his successor Steve Smith, Dhoni has been in thick of actions this seasons.
After a poor inaugural season where Dhoni led the new-comers to a disappointing seventh-place finish in the eight team competition, the franchise stunned one and all by replacing the celebrated skipper with Smith before this season. The most decorated skipper in the history of Indian cricket, Dhoni is also one of the most successful skippers in the Indian Premier League. He led the now-suspended Chennai Super Kings to two Indian Premier League titles, two Champions League T20 title in addition to leading them to six Indian Premier League final appearances. But the franchise, in an attempt to change its fortunes handed over the reins to Smith.
However, Dhoni has kept his ego aside and has played a huge role in helping the Supergiant to make it to their maiden IPL final. Apart from sharing his vast wealth of his experience with his teammates, the former India skipper has also played his part with the bat. His 26-ball 40 runs knock in the qualifiers against Mumbai Indians had steered his side to a good total after a shaky start and they had gone on to win the match by 20-runs.
And so it absolutely not surprising that despite losing the captaincy, Dhoni is arguably the most popular player in the team. At least, that is what the latest tweet from the official account of Rising Pune Supergiant suggests. Calling themselves Team MS Dhoni, they tweeted: “Forgot what team you support? It’s called M.S.Dhoni!? #Helicopter @mahi7781 #RangWahiJungNayi.”
https://twitter.com/RPSupergiants/status/865613465528004609
Dhoni, meanwhile, will be looking to play a big part again when the Supergiant take on Mumbai Indians in the title-decider on Sunday (May 21).