Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting believes that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) may choose to strategically rest MS Dhoni in the upcoming IPL 2025 season. This statement follows CSK’s decision to retain the former Indian captain for the next IPL season. Ponting indicates that this approach could allow CSK to make the best use of Dhoni’s experience and abilities.

Since he retired from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni has been a key figure in CSK’s achievements over the years. He captained the team to five IPL championships, demonstrating his leadership and cricketing talent. Even after a difficult season two years ago, Dhoni made a strong comeback last year, reminding everyone of his talents. Ponting recognizes Dhoni’s influence on the sport and suggests that CSK might consider resting him from time to time to manage his workload.

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, Ponting said on the recent episode of The ICC Review.

I think it will be the same now; 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, the legendary batter added.

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, whether he’s playing, whether he’s sitting on the sidelines, that’s just who he is… He’s crucial to Chennai for the leadership that he brings on and off the field. The best players are the ones who can maintain such a high level for a long time. for 10, 12, and 14-year careers, Ponting expressed.

Ponting acknowledges Dhoni’s importance to the team, recognizing him not only as a player but also as a mentor and leader. He thinks that Dhoni’s presence, whether on the field or off, will be vital for CSK. Ponting praises Dhoni’s capability to sustain a high level of performance over his lengthy career. He respects Dhoni’s reliability and considers him to be one of the greatest players in the sport.

Ponting highlights Dhoni’s flexibility and growth as a player. He notes Dhoni’s change in the batting order and how he continues to have an influence even when he doesn’t face many deliveries. He’s batting the last 20 balls of an inning now but still showing that you can make a big impact on the game by doing that, Ponting concluded.