Steve Smith to take over MS Dhoni's captaincy in Indian Premier League

Australia skipper Steve Smith will replace MS Dhoni as captain of Rising Pune Supergiants in this year's Indian Premier League. Dhoni, who stepped down as India's limited-overs captain in January, led the now-suspended Chennai franchise to Twenty20 league title victories in 2010 and 2011. Pune finished second last in their maiden IPL season last year under Dhoni's captaincy, though, and Smith - who leads Australia across all three formats of cricket - will now take over for the upcoming season. "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 franchise owner Sanjiv Goenka said in a statement. "He is supportive of the decision keeping the franchise's best interests in mind." Meanwhile, Smith's Australia team-mate and fast bowler Mitchell Starc has pulled out of this year's IPL, which begins on April 5. "After a long summer and with a big tour of India still ahead I think it is in my best interests, both physically and mentally, for me to have a break, spend time with my family and take the opportunity to work on getting back to full fitness," Starc said.