Ricky Ponting Discusses MS Dhoni’s Evolving Role at CSK
Legendary Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has revealed intriguing insights into the evolving role of iconic Indian captain MS Dhoni for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In a recent episode of The ICC Review with Sanjana Ganesan, Ponting shared his thoughts shortly after CSK confirmed their decision to retain the celebrated leader for the upcoming season. His commentary highlights Dhoni’s adaptability and resilience, showcasing the qualities that have made him a legendary figure in cricket.
Resilience After Challenging Seasons
Ponting reflected on Dhoni’s journey, particularly noting his ability to bounce back after facing a challenging season. “Two seasons ago he probably had his worst season, but then last year again, he bounced back into really impacting some games like the MS Dhoni of old,” he stated. This resilience is a testament to Dhoni’s character and skill, demonstrating his capacity to reclaim his form and influence games, even in the face of adversity.
The Importance of Dhoni’s Leadership
Looking ahead to the upcoming 2025 season, Ponting emphasized the importance of managing Dhoni’s involvement. He pointed out that Dhoni’s multifaceted contribution extends beyond just his playing abilities. Even when he is not actively captaining or on the field, Dhoni’s presence serves as a crucial asset to the team. “Any team that he’s in, whether he’s captain or not, he’s always going to be a mentor and a leader around that group,” Ponting explained, underscoring Dhoni’s role as a guiding force within CSK.
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Impact Despite Batting Order Changes
While Dhoni’s batting position has shifted lower down the order, his impact on the game remains unchanged. In the previous IPL season, the 43-year-old played 14 matches and scored 161 runs at an impressive strike rate of 220.55. Ponting highlighted that despite batting later in the innings, Dhoni continues to demonstrate how to make significant contributions, stating, “He’s 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.” This adaptability in his role exemplifies why Dhoni is regarded as one of the best players in cricket history.
