MS Dhoni’s sacking as captain shocked us: Former teammate recalls big IPL moment

Former South Africa captain and Chennai Super Kings batsman Faf du Plessis recalled the shock in the Rising Pune Supergiants camp after MS Dhoni was dropped as captain ahead of the 2017 IPL season. Du Plessis said the decision took everyone by surprise, while Steve Smith handled the difficult transition impressively and led the franchise to the finals in his first season as captain.

Speaking on ESPNcricinfo’s Cricketers on Cricketers programme, du Plessis reflected on the decision to replace Dhoni, one of the most successful captains in IPL history, after Rising Pune endured a difficult debut campaign in 2016.

“MS Dhoni was removed as the captain of Rising Pune Supergiants after the end of the 2016 IPL season and that’s the biggest move you can make in a tournament of this magnitude. We didn’t win a few games and the then owner decided to change the captain. Everyone was shocked after the call,” said du Plessis.

“MS Dhoni as captain was gone and Steve Smith was the new captain. It was quite early in his leadership career. He was not experienced but he did a good job,” he added.

SMITH HANDLED DHONI’S DEMOTION WELL

Du Plessis said Smith faced a difficult task, given that Dhoni remained part of the team despite losing the captaincy. The Australian had to establish himself as a leader working alongside a player whose reputation as a captain was already huge.

“It was tough to have MS Dhoni as your number two, especially after he was just dropped as captain. Smith led the team to the final and we lost that final, which we should have won. We were so close,” said du Plessis.

Smith’s management almost produced a title in his first season at the helm. Rising Pune lost the 2017 final to Mumbai Indians by just one run, missing out on what would have been a remarkable achievement for a relatively inexperienced captain.

“A win in this final would make Smith the IPL captain in just one season. That says a lot about him,” du Plessis added.

DHONI IPL 2027 FUTURE UNCERTAIN

Dhoni’s own future in the IPL is now under scrutiny, with the former Chennai Super Kings captain yet to confirm whether he will return for the 2027 season. He missed the entire 2026 campaign with a calf problem as CSK struggled to make the playoffs.

At an event in Bengaluru on October 24, Dhoni said he would assess his fitness and make a decision by December. He has not ruled out playing another season, but his participation will depend on whether he believes his body can handle the demands of the tournament.

The uncertainty has left CSK and their supporters waiting for a clear future for the player who helped deliver five IPL titles to the franchise. More than a decade after his sacking as Pune captain, Dhoni’s next move could yet again become one of the biggest talking points ahead of the IPL season.

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