CSK will next face PBKS in IPL 2025 in Mullanpur.
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has stated that MS Dhoni's wicketkeeping skills are still excellent and that he remains dangerous to this day, urging him to improve his performances in the coming days, despite the fact that many fans and experts believe he should retire.
There have been numerous talks about Dhoni throughout his illustrious Indian Premier League (IPL) career, but for the first time, analysts and even Chennai Super Kings supporters have criticized him.
Ricky Ponting continued to back MS Dhoni to do well despite criticism of his game play in recent times.
“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 does, they are one of the most successful teams in IPL history.
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 right," Ponting said to Indian Express.
When asked if he saw Dhoni retiring in light of all the speculation, Ponting stated that it would depend on how he does as a batter in the current season.
“I guess he has played a 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. It might just depend on how this season goes. If he can have a real impact with the bat, I think he will keep playing. If his batting output drops, he might start thinking about it," Ponting added.
Chennai head coach Stephen Fleming has stated that Dhoni is "still going strong" and that ending the latter's streak in the Indian Premier League is not a responsibility handed to him.
Chennai's next match against the Punjab Kings is on April 8 in Mullanpur, and they will be anxious to win again.