MS Dhoni ‘akan selalu menjadi mentor’, CSK mungkin mengistirahatkannya di sana-sini di IPL 2025: Ricky Ponting

Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting heaped praise on MS Dhoni for being an active player while being over 40 years of age. The former CSK skipper confirmed his participation in IPL 2025 and has been retained as an uncapped player for Rs 4 cr. Ponting believes that CSK might not play Dhoni in every game in the upcoming season and that they would want to rest him to get the best out the legend.

“MS Dhoni will always be a mentor”

Speaking on the ICC Review, Ponting pointed out that MS Dhoni was always going to be the mentor of a side, irrespective of whether he is a captain or not. He heaped praise on Thala for bouncing back after two poor seasons. After leading the side ever since the IPL’s inception, Dhoni handed over the reins to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of IPL 2024, signalling the start of the transition phase.

“They might not get him through the whole season. They might think about leaving him out for a game and resting him up here and there to make sure that they’re getting the best out of him,” Ricky Ponting said.

Latest news

Ponting further heaped praise on MS Dhoni’s technique, lauding his ability to create an impact by playing in just the last 20 deliveries of the innings.

“He’s actually batting the last 20 balls of an innings now but still showing that you can make a big impact on the game by doing that,” Ponting added.

MS Dhoni mania to continue in IPL 2025

Dhoni was retained for Rs 12 cr in the auction ahead of IPL 2022. MSD-led CSK have made it to the playoffs more than any other side in IPL so far. Known for his ability to finish games with destructive maximums, Dhoni has been in the prayers of CSK fans in each and every match when it comes down to the middle-order to win the matches. Additionally, his role behind the stumps, both as captain and keeper, are exceptional, making him CSK’s most valuable player.