Will discuss cricket only with coach: MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni's new assignment as captain at the Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS) might not see him exercise the kind of clout he was used to during his first eight seasons with the Chennai Super Kings.

RPS franchisee owner Sanjiv Goenka understands that his brand could 'take a hit' in case of any new controversy like that of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) arises in next two seasons.

On the other hand, Dhoni has also learnt his lessons and would now only turn to his "coach and senior players" for team-related discussions during the next two seasons. And that leaves other 'cricket enthusiasts' out.

"It's very simple, cricket will be discussed with the coach of the team. If need arises we would like to bring few senior players into discussion. Other things will be taken care of by the franchise," Dhoni said during the unveiling of team's jersey here at the Capital on Monday.

However, the bigger challenge would be for Goenka. who has taken a big gamble by not only spending huge money on an IPL team for two years but also putting his brand at stake in case any blunder happens. With a recent sting operation by a newspaper surfacing where former Team India manager Sunil Dev questioned Dhoni's decision during the 2014 Manchester Test in England, Goenka too faced queries about his new skipper.

"We believe in playing by the rules," said Goenka, who has been asked about his skipper many times over the last week.

"I want to make one thing very clear. We do believe that IPL has stuck to the rules. That is my belief. I am not going to comment on anything about the past. All I can say is that we have full faith in Mahi (Dhoni), that's the reason we chose him as skipper," Goenka added.

Goenka has, without any doubt, put money on India's – and IPL's – most successful captain. In fact, his RPS team has also been picked from the core unit of CSK.

"Why would past make us more cautious or less cautious? We are what we are and we are going to be what we are. We are going to play with a lot of conviction," Goenka continued praising Dhoni.

Dhoni disclosed that he has been in touch with team CEO Raghu Iyer regarding the players' selection in the recent auctions. Iyer, who was also the CEO of RR, could be tested for his skills during these two seasons.

With March 3 hearing in the Apex court also approaching, Dhoni gave an impression that "he has completely cut off himself from what's happening in the court room". And knowing Dhoni, it may not surprise anyone because he never even bothered to answer text messages of his senior teammates in the past.

"Lodha commission (Justice RM Lodha) has not given me the report on what has to be implemented, so you need to ask the BCCI about it," Dhoni said, adding: "IPL got its share of bad name, but at the same time, you also have to look at the positives it has brought to Indian cricket. It became the platform where you can identify the youngsters who are really good. It teaches a lot of youngsters how to handle the pressure. That is fantastic for Indian cricket."

On another note, Dhoni said that he has not yet moved on from CSK.

"I would be lying if I'll say I have moved on. There's always an emotional connect, but at the same time, there's a professional connect you need to have. So the next two years with Pune team is going to be special," he said.

But asked about his views over the circumstances which played a role in CSK's suspension, Dhoni said: "I don't think like if that event has not happened, then how it has affected us. I always live in the present. I don't live in past. Once a thing has happened, it's important how you sort out that thing. It's important what do you think about it going ahead. Whatever mistakes have happened, one should make sure that those mistakes don't take place in the future. So whatever has happened has happened. Let's look at what lies ahead."