IPL Auction 2025: "He’s been injured" - Ricky Ponting's bold take on MS Dhoni's retention

Legendary Australia cricketer Ricky Ponting has opened up on the retention of MS Dhoni as the uncapped player. Dhoni was among CSK's five retentions ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. While the other four were retained as capped players, Dhoni was retained as an uncapped player.

MS Dhoni could be retained as an uncapped player because of the new rule of the IPL which states that a player will be considered uncapped if they have not participated in any international match or a match held under a BCCI central contract within the last five years.

Dhoni's last international match was way back in 2019 when India played New Zealand in the ODI World Cup semi-final. He announced his international retirement in 2020 but has continued playing in the IPL since.

Also read: Virat Kohli absolutely drilled down by Anil Kumble after another flop outing vs New Zealand

Ricky Ponting breaks silence on MS Dhoni's retention by CSK

During an interview with The ICC Review, Ricky Ponting was asked about the retention of MS Dhoni. Ponting claimed that Dhoni had the worst IPL a couple of seasons ago but bounced back to have an impact in IPL 2024. He also feels that Dhoni might not play some games in the upcoming season as he might be rested.

"Two seasons back, he had his worst season, but then last year he bounced back to really have some impact on the game. MS Dhoni evolved. I think it might be the same, though they might not look at getting him through the season, maybe resting him for a game or two,"
Ponting said.

Furthermore, Ponting explained Dhoni's role by saying that he can act as a mentor in the team which could be the main reason behind his retention. He claimed that Dhoni is an important player for CSK for his experience and leadership skills.

"We shouldn’t forget that he’s been injured over the last couple of seasons, but any team he is going to be in he’ll be a mentor and leader of that group - whether he’s playing or on the sidelines. That’s just who he is. That’s why he’s so important to Chennai, for the leadership he brings, on and off the field," the legendary Australian captain added.

Other players retained by CSK

MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings to a title win in IPL 2023. However, he decided to give up the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad just a few days before the start of IPL 2024. Gaikwad was always seen as a successor to Dhoni.

Apart from MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, and Matheesha Pathirana are the other players retained by Chennai Super Kings.

"I want us to be the most dynamic franchise" - Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting will start his new IPL journey with Punjab Kings in the upcoming season. Ponting spoke about the brand of cricket he wants the players to play in the team. He aims to change the fortunes of the franchise by making it an entertaining and dynamic team.

"A couple of new coaching staff come in as well (for Punjab Kings). The main and most important thing for me is making this whole franchise different," Ponting said.

"Making it different from outside, making the results on-field look different. I want us to be the most dynamic and most entertaining franchise and group of players in the IPL," he added.

Ricky Ponting served as the head coach of Delhi Capitals till last season. However, he was removed from the role a few months ago. Seeing the opportunity, Punjab Kings roped him in as their new head coach with an aim to change their fortunes.