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'Always A Mentor & Leader' - Ricky Ponting Defines MS Dhoni's Importance To CSK

Akshita Patel

Ricky Ponting pleased with CSK retaining MS Dhoni for IPL 2025 [Source: @thecricstories/X.com]Ricky Ponting pleased with CSK retaining MS Dhoni for IPL 2025 [Source: @thecricstories/X.com]

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In a candid chat with ICC, PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting shared his opinion on MS Dhoni’s impact on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and explained why his presence is extremely crucial for the IPL franchise. Ahead of the mega auction, CSK retained MS Dhoni as an uncapped player for just INR 4 crore.

MS Dhoni is a synonym for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Under his captaincy, the franchise won as many as 5 titles. While Dhoni passed on the leadership baton to Ruturaj Gaikwad in IPL 2024, he will continue to be a part of the league in IPL 2025 as a batter.

CSK made a bold choice to retain MS Dhoni as an uncapped player for INR 4 crores. IPL tweaked rules for retired players to be retained in the uncapped category if their absence from international cricket extends to 5 years. 

Ricky Ponting on Dhoni's impact as a leader

That being said, according to ICC, PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting opined that CSK made a wise call by retaining MS Dhoni even as he is not contributing to 100% of his potential. The former Australian noted that Dhoni’s importance to CSK extends beyond his role as a finisher. 

"Any team that Dhoni is in, whether he's captain or not, he's always going to be a mentor & 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 that leadership that he brings on and off the field," Ponting told ICC.

His leadership and mentorship hold more value for the IPL franchise. Ponting added that Dhoni has a tendency to play the role of a mentor to any team that he is on. From playing on the field to practice sessions to the dugout, Dhoni is a walking guide for the younger players, and his experiences are something CSK deeply cherishes. 

Dhoni reveals sacrificing batting position for Jadeja, Dube

MS Dhoni left the fans confused with his batting position in the IPL 2024 season. He often came down at no.8 after exhausting all options. However, Dhoni had a bigger plan in mind. In a recent interview, the former captain revealed that the idea was to promote Jadeja and Dube as the duo were contesting for a spot in India’s T20 World Cup squad. He was happy to sacrifice his spot if it helped Jadeja and Dube in the long run.