Mumbai: India’s star wicketkeeper-batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni was removed from the captaincy role at Indian Premier League (IPL) side Rising Pune Supergiants because the management wanted a younger captain to lead the side.

RPS had announced on Sunday that Australia national side skipper Steve Smith will replace Dhoni as the captain of the IPL franchise.

The move came as a complete surprise, especially as it was announced just one day ahead of the IPL auction 2017.

Goenka, who is the owner of the Pune-franchise, said that he has the utmost regard for Dhoni despite the fact that the 35-year-old was removed from his captaincy-role.

“I have the highest regard and the greatest respect for Dhoni. I’ve always been impressed with his mind and his thinking,” Goenka was quoted as saying in The Telegraph. “Indeed, I’ve come away with a wow feeling each time that I’ve personally interacted with Dhoni.”

However, the RPS owner also revealed that he wants a younger cricketer to lead his side, and saw Smith as a fit replacement for the 35-year-old. He even went on to say that Dhoni was completely on-board with the management’s decision to appoint Smith as the new skipper.

“We have decided to appoint a younger captain and Dhoni is completely on board with this move of ours,” said Goenka. “Dhoni will continue to be an important part of Rising Pune and the wealth of his experience is invaluable.”