Ricky Ponting’s Statement on MS Dhoni’s Future After IPL 2025

MS Dhoni has made headlines during the Indian Premier League’s 17 seasons. However, for the first time in his IPL tenure, the former India skipper has received a lot of criticism. With the Chennai Super Kings having a dismal start to the season, the CSK legend’s batting position and the team’s overall lack of consistency have come under scrutiny.

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, who is currently the head coach of Punjab Kings, sees no need to question what a franchise like CSK does in this area, but believes MS Dhoni’s IPL future may rely on how he performs with the bat this year.

Ponting on MS Dhoni’s Performance

MS Dhoni has come under fire for batting further down the order, and the Chennai Super Kings have had a bad start to the IPL 2025, losing three of their four games.

However, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, who is currently the head coach of Punjab Kings, saw no reason to question MS Dhoni’s lower-order batting position for a side like CSK. Ponting further stated that Dhoni is “as good as ever”.

“Well, his keeping is not getting any worse, that is one thing I do know; he is not missing many standing up to the stumps against the spinners, as good as ever,” Ponting was stated as saying by The Indian Express.

Dhoni came under fire for batting at No. 9 in CSK’s 50-run loss to RCB at home.
CSK is presently at the bottom of the league standings, with two points from four matches. Their sole victory came against the Mumbai Indians in the season opening. Despite Dhoni’s improved performance in their following two games, CSK’s fortunes remained unchanged as they lost to the Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals, respectively.

“Look, you’re not going to disagree with whatever CSK does; they’re one of the most successful IPL teams ever. “They’ve had consistent coaching for a long time and generally make sound decisions,” observed Ponting.

“With the impact player rule, Dhoni now targets other serious ball strikers in their own right. I believe he has played a little smaller role in recent years, just stepping in for the final 10-12 balls and attempting to make a significant impression. “Dhoni is still dangerous in the IPL,” he continued.

On a lighter side, when asked if he saw Dhoni retiring, Ponting said, “It might just depend on how this season goes.” If he can make a major impact with the bat, I believe he will continue to play. If his batting average decreases, he may consider it. “He’s been a great player for a long time.”