Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting has thrown his support behind MS Dhoni amid growing talks around the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend's potential retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) after the 2025 season.

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Speaking ahead of PBKS’ clash against CSK in Match 22 at Mullanpur Ponting praised Dhoni’s sharpness behind the stumps and his continued value to the team despite his diminishing role with the bat.

“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,” Ponting told The Indian Express.

Also Read : IPL 2025: MS Dhoni Breaks Silence on Retirement Rumours, Says “Not Right Now”

Dhoni 42 has primarily taken on a finisher’s role in recent seasons, often walking in with just 10-12 balls left in the innings. Ponting explained that the impact player rule has changed how CSK utilize Dhoni, who now bats after “serious ball strikers” in the team.

“With the impact player rule now, Dhoni bats after other serious ball strikers… 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,” Ponting said.

When asked about Dhoni’s potential retirement Ponting gave an honest take on the future of the former Indian captain:

“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. He’s been a terrific player for a long time.”