Match-fixing links see Sri Lanka coach suspended

Omnisports 05:54 - 18 January 2016

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India limited-overs captain MS Dhoni will skipper the Rising Pune Supergiants in the 2016 Indian Premier League.

Dhoni captained the Chennai Super Kings to two IPL titles in 2010 and 2011. He was drafted by the Supergiants after the Super Kings and the Rajasthan Royals were suspended from the competition for two seasons.

Chennai and Rajasthan were banned following links to a 2013 corruption scandal, in relation to illegal betting and spot-fixing.

Pune owner Sanjiv Goenka said at the unveiling of the Supergiants' logo: "He [Dhoni] has always been a phenomenal leader for teams that he has represented including the Indian side.

"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."

After selecting Dhoni, the Supergiants then drafted Ajinkya Rahane, Ravichandran Ashwin, Australia captain Steve Smith and Faf du Plessis.

"Practically we hope there will be complete harmony in the team," Goenka added. "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."