MS Dhoni will play a crucial role in Champions Trophy: Ricky Ponting

"Batting in the middle-order, he’s someone who can really control a one-day innings. And that might be what you need in England," Ponting told Cricket Australia’s official website. "If the ball does a bit early on, there’s a chance India could lose top-order wickets and you’d need someone in the middle-order to guide the ship," he added. Dhoni has been under pressure in the ongoing IPL due to his patchy form and was even removed as captain of Rising Pune Supergiant at the start of the season.

"I think it’s a downside of having the great success that he’s had over a long period of time. I’ve been there myself and when you start to slide just a little bit, criticism is going to come your way," he said.