MS Dhoni is still the best leader, says RPS batsman Ajinkya Rahane

India’s middle order batsman and Rising Pune Supergiant opener Ajinkya Rahane still considered MS Dhoni the best leader on the side. The Supergiant team is currently captained by Australia’s Steven Smith. Following a rather disappointing 2016 season in the IPL, the RPS management decided to relieve MS Dhoni from captaincy and place Smith at the helm.

Smith is on the back of a stellar run with the bat, scoring runs all around the world and in every format of the game. He continued his dominance with the bat in the second game of the 2017 IPL, scoring a brilliant 54-ball 84 and saw the Pune boys home. Chasing a target of 185, Ajinkya Rahane contributed at the top of the order with a crafty 60, setting up a good platform for Smith to finish the game in style.

Rahane made it very clear that according to him, MS Dhoni remains as the primary leader in the RPS setup.

“Though Steve Smith has led the Australian side very well, for me, MS Dhoni is still the best leader. This was the first game as leader for Smith, but he was learning from Dhoni as well,” Rahane said.

In the post-match press conference, Rahane refrained himself from comparing the legendary MS Dhoni with Steve Smith.

“It is very difficult as I have just played one game under Smith. I have played a lot more under Mahi bhai’s captaincy and we all know he is a world-class leader. I think people should not compare Smith and Dhoni’s captaincy. He (Dhoni) is still a world-class player,” said Rahane.

During the course of the game, Smith was often seen talking to the bowler as he made his way to his run-up mark, while Dhoni set the field from behind the stumps. Steve Smith also sought some advice from time to time from the Indian great.

Ajinkya Rahane hence added, “Smith was seen taking more tips from him. Dhoni was seen giving tips and inputs to Smith in the middle.”

The Rising Pune Supergiant will take on the Kings XI Punjab in their next match at Indore’s Holkar Stadium tomorrow.

Watch the video here:

For me @msdhoni is still the best leader, says @ajinkyarahane88 on #MSDhoni vs #Smithy debate – @RPSupergiants #IPL pic.twitter.com/FfGgkMjNh6

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 7, 2017