With less than five months to spare until the T20 World Cup 2026, news has emerged that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has again approached MS Dhoni to be a mentor to the national team. The ex-Indian captain had functioned as a mentor during the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE, although India did not make it to the semi-finals last season.
A Familiar Proposal, But Will Dhoni Accept?
Reported by CricBlogger, a BCCI source confirmed Dhoni was offered the position. “Dhoni is once more offered to guide Indian cricket,” the source said. The board feels his strategic mind, cool leadership, and experience in winning pressure-cooker tournaments could be important in getting the team ready for another world title challenge.
However, the offer may not translate into an acceptance. One major factor is the presence of Gautam Gambhir as India’s head coach. While both legends share mutual respect, their on-field partnership during their playing days was known to have a few rough edges. Insiders suggest Dhoni might be reluctant to step into a role where ideologies could potentially clash.
Dhoni’s 2021 Stint and India’s 2026 Aspirations
Back in 2021, Dhoni was brought in as a short-term mentor under Ravi Shastri’s coaching regime. Despite the hype, India failed to advance beyond the group stage. Yet, many players credited Dhoni for boosting morale and sharing crucial insights in the dressing room.
Now, with India crowned T20 World Champions in 2024 under a new setup, expectations are higher than ever. Adding Dhoni to the think tank could provide additional tactical depth, especially with a young squad looking to cement their legacy.
Dhoni’s Future – One Last IPL Before Hanging Up His Boots?
There are also indications that Dhoni might retire from all cricket following IPL 2026, which begins just a month after the T20 World Cup. If it is to happen, leading Team India in the buildup to the international tournament might be an appropriate build-up to his last season.
For now, the decision lies with Dhoni. Fans will be waiting with bated breath – will Captain Cool return to the Indian dressing room in a mentor’s avatar, or will he choose to focus solely on his final IPL run?
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