IPL 2017, RPS vs MI: Mahendra Singh Dhoni to play his first IPL game as non-captain

Hailed as arguably the greatest skipper in the history of Indian Premier League, Mahendra Singh Dhoni shall start a new innings of sorts in the coveted league as he is set to make his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut as a non-captain in Rising Pune Supergiant's first game against Mumbai Indians on Thursday at the MCA stadium in Pune.

It is notable to mention that the former India skipper has played all his 143 IPL matches while leading a side (Chennai Super Kings and Rising Pune Supergiant) in all previous tournaments. Meanwhile Aussie skipper Steven Smith shall be the first overseas player to lead MS Dhoni in a T20 game.

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Ahead of the tenth season of the league, RPS management took a bold decision to handover the reigns to Australia skipper Steven Smith, which meant that for the first time in a decade, Dhoni won't be leading a side onto the field in the history of the cash-rich league.

Dhoni had a highly successful stint with Chennai SuperKings whom he guided to two titles besides taking them to the finals on a record six occasions.