MS Dhoni, a legendary figure in Indian cricket, has always been known for his composure and discretion. A prime example of this is his silence on the 2017 IPL captaincy controversy, a topic that continues to intrigue fans. Despite the passage of time, Dhoni has neither commented on the matter nor shown any signs of revealing what transpired behind closed doors.
The Controversial Captaincy Change
Dhoni has been the face of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) since the inception of the IPL, except for the 2016 and 2017 seasons when the franchise was banned due to its involvement in the 2013 betting scandal. During this period, Dhoni played for Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS), one of the interim teams. While the first season saw RPS struggle, finishing second last, they made a remarkable comeback in 2017, finishing as runners-up.
However, just before the 2017 season, the team made a shocking decision: replacing Dhoni as captain with Australian star Steve Smith. The move, announced before the player auction, sparked widespread backlash from fans, who found it hard to accept that Dhoni—already a two-time IPL-winning captain with CSK—was being replaced.
Behind the Decision: Sanjiv Goenka’s Perspective
Sanjiv Goenka, owner of the RPS franchise at the time and now the owner of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), recently reflected on the decision during an interview with Ranveer Allahbadia on The Ranveer Show. While he admitted that the move was controversial, Goenka stood by his choice, emphasizing that every decision has a perspective.
“It was a decision taken after clear dialogue. I share a close and warm relationship with MS Dhoni even today. Decisions can be right or wrong—time tells us that—but what matters is the logic and sincerity behind them. I’ve always valued my interactions with Mahi, as I walk away learning something new every time,” Goenka explained.
A Private Discussion Kept Under Wraps
The details of the conversation between Dhoni and Goenka have never been disclosed. According to Goenka, Dhoni’s characteristic silence and professionalism ensured that the matter remained private. Even seven years later, Dhoni has never commented on the captaincy change, earning respect for his discretion.
“It was a private communication between two individuals, and it stayed that way. MS hasn’t spoken about it, and he never will. That’s the kind of person he is,” Goenka stated.
Despite the controversy, Goenka revealed that his relationship with Dhoni has remained cordial and full of mutual respect. Recalling a recent interaction, Goenka shared how Dhoni advised his son Shashwat on applying lessons from cricket to business, highlighting the captain’s warmth and wisdom.
“This spirit, this warmth—it means a lot. Beyond a point, you must not let controversies affect you. Sincerity gives you confidence, and eventually, the truth will come out,” Goenka added.
Legacy Beyond Controversies
Dhoni’s ability to maintain grace and professionalism, even in challenging situations, reinforces his legendary status. The captaincy decision, while contentious at the time, ultimately saw RPS achieve their best IPL performance. As for Dhoni, he returned to CSK in 2018, leading the team to their third IPL title, further solidifying his legacy.
The 2017 incident remains a fascinating chapter in IPL history, with Dhoni’s silence ensuring it stays shrouded in mystery.
