Dhoni named Rising Pune Supergiants captain

MS Dhoni has been named captain of the new Pune franchise, Rising Pune Supergiants, for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League.

Dhoni, who led Chennai Super Kings to two IPL titles, was named Supergiants' captain for only one season for now. "He has always been a phenomenal leader for teams that he has represented including the Indian side," team owner Sanjiv Goenka said at the team's logo unveiling. "Right now the focus is only on 2016 and the team building. That's why we named Dhoni as the captain.

"His track record in both domestic and International arenas have been remarkable. I firmly believe he will lead our team extremely well on and off the field."

Having made the most successful bid for a new franchise, Dhoni was Pune's first pick at the player draft in December. The other four players chosen were Ajinkya Rahane, R Ashwin, Steven Smith and Faf du Plessis.

"Practically we hope there will be complete harmony in the team. The likes of MS, Steven Smith and Faf du Plessis are seasoned leaders. I don't think there will be any chance of a friction in the team," Goenka said.

Rising Pune Supergiants, owned by New Rising, will have INR 27 crore to spend at the player auction on February 6 to make up the rest of the squad.

Rising Pune Supergiants - welcome to the family #VIVOIPL pic.twitter.com/tZqipos17O

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) January 18, 2016