Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting thinks Chennai Super Kings might manage MS Dhoni's playing time carefully in IPL 2025. With CSK confirming Dhoni's return for the next season, Ponting argues that a selective approach to his appearances would be the best way to leverage the veteran's skill set and experience.
Ever since his international retirement in 2020, Dhoni has been the cornerstone of CSK's success, steering the franchise to five trophies. Despite a dip in form two years back, he reminded everyone of his class with a strong showing last season. Ponting believes that to maintain this level of performance and manage the physical toll, CSK should consider resting him periodically.
During a recent appearance on The ICC Review, Ponting mentioned that although two seasons ago seemed to be Dhoni's toughest period, he bounced back last year, playing several games with the same dominance and impact he had in his prime.
The legendary batter suggested that the team might not rely on Dhoni for every single match. Instead, they could rotate him out of the lineup occasionally to ensure that whenever he does step onto the pitch, he's giving it his absolute best.
Ponting emphasized that Dhoni's value transcends his role as a player; whether he is captaining the side, playing a supporting role, or even watching from the dugout, he remains a natural leader and mentor to the squad. He is indispensable to Chennai's culture, both on and off the field. Ponting also marveled at Dhoni's longevity, noting that the hallmark of a truly great player is the ability to perform at an elite level for over a decade.
Highlighting Dhoni's role as more than just a batter, Ponting views him as a vital guiding force for the team regardless of his match status. He expressed deep admiration for Dhoni's consistency and endurance throughout his career, cementing his status as one of the most reliable and influential figures in the history of the game.
Ponting also pointed out how Dhoni has evolved his game to stay relevant. Even though he now often comes in for only the final few overs, he still manages to swing the momentum of the match. He's essentially mastering the art of the 'death overs,' proving that you don't need to face many balls to change the outcome of a game.