 "MS Dhoni still plays in the IPL despite retiring from international cricket in 2019. Image: AFP")
Former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is being tipped to become the mentor of the Indian cricket team for the T20 World Cup 2026. Several reports emerged suggesting that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) may be looking at Dhoni to take the mentorship role for next year’s ICC event, which is slated to be held in India and Sri Lanka.
MS Dhoni has previously served in the same capacity when he was appointed the mentor of the Indian team for the T20 World Cup 2021. Virat Kohli was the captain of the Indian team back then, and Ravi Shastri was the coach. Both stepped down from their respective roles after India endured a disappointing campaign, which included losing their first-ever World Cup game to Pakistan.
Will Dhoni take up a role with Team India?
Dhoni had earlier left the mentor role because he was only appointed temporarily for the T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, fresh reports have emerged claiming that the BCCI is contemplating appointing Dhoni as India’s mentor again. But the bigger question is whether Dhoni would want the role, since he is known to be living a quiet life away from the spotlight.
Some reports have also claimed that Dhoni may say no to the offer because of the current India head coach Gautam Gambhir, with whom he doesn’t share a very good relationship. However, these are just rumours and neither Dhoni nor the BCCI has made anything official.
Dhoni is considered one of the best captains to have ever played the game of cricket. He led India to all three ICC titles back in his days, becoming the first captain in the world to do so. Dhoni is also very successful in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he has helped Chennai Super Kings win a record five titles.
Meanwhile, the Indian team, now led by Suryakumar Yadav, is preparing for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 , which is slated to be held in the T20 format. India will play their opening game against the hosts UAE on September 10. Their blockbuster clash against arch-rivals Pakistan will take place on September 14.