MS Dhoni contributing greatly as the wicket-keeper for CSK, reckons Ponting

Amid roaring scrutiny, the veteran MS Dhoni has found a supporting voice in Australian legend Ricky Ponting. The five-time champions, Chennai Super Kings, are not emanating the abilities that projected them as the most successful team in IPL. In four matches, CSK has now lost three consecutive fixtures, by margins high enough to put them at the ninth spot in the IPL 2025 points table. The team, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, is staging multiple struggles simultaneously. From finding the right pair at the top to the whole of the batting order in a slump, to a sloppy show in the field, there's rarely anything going in their favor. And yet, the fraternity seems to have zeroed in on MS Dhoni as the main culprit behind the downfall. From his entry point to the perceived 'lack of intent', Dhoni is facing the extreme end of the criticism. 

"Dhoni is still dangerous in IPL," says Ricky Ponting

The 43-year-old has continued to play as a full-time wicket-keeper and a batter after passing the captaincy baton to Ruturaj Gaikwad last season. At 43, playing with a knee not supporting him enough, as informed by the CSK head coach Stephen Fleming, MS Dhoni is the team's primary wicket-keeper. Meanwhile, the former World Champion has rarely presented a chance to complain. Dhoni's lightning-fast reflexes behind the stumps have already completed two unbelievable dismissals in IPL 2025. First Suryakumar Yadav in the CSK vs MI match, then Phil Salt in the CSK vs RCB match, CSK's breakthrough in both the matches came at the hands of Dhoni off the deliveries by spinner Noor Ahmad.

Most recently, the wicket-keeper partnered with Ravindra Jadeja to run out Ashutosh Sharma in the CSK vs DC match. However, the former champion is still in hot waters for his presence in the CSK Playing XI. Calls for his retirement have been made, from the fraternity to the general audience. Amid the roars, however, the PBKS head coach noted that the five-time title-winning captain remains crucial for CSK as the wicket-keeper. Moreover, Ponting pointed out the obvious, highlighting that Dhoni has adapted to a lower batting position in the batting order for quite a significant time now. So, he comes out after giving ample time for the main batters to play and make an impact on the game.

"Well his keeping is not getting any worse, that's one thing I do know; he's not missing many standing up to the stumps against the spinners, as good as ever. Look, you are not going to argue with anything CSK do, they are one of the most successful teams in IPL history," Ponting said.

"They have had consistent coaching for a long time and generally make the right decisions. With the impact player rule now, Dhoni bats after other serious ball strikers within their own right. I guess he has played a slightly diminished role in the last couple of years, just coming in for the last 10–12 balls and trying to make a big impact. Dhoni is still dangerous in the IPL," he added.