Recent reports indicate that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has once again approached former captain MS Dhoni with an offer to mentor the national team, ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. This proposition aims to leverage Dhoni's extensive experience and leadership acumen, potentially extending his influence across the senior men's, women's, and junior teams. However, several factors suggest that Dhoni might be hesitant to accept this role, one of which is the presence of Gautam Gambhir as the current head coach of the Indian team.
Adding a humorous perspective to the situation, former cricketer Manoj Tiwary playfully questioned whether Dhoni has even "picked up the phone" to acknowledge the offer, alluding to Dhoni's well-known private nature and his reputation for being difficult to reach. Tiwary's comment underscores the uncertainty surrounding Dhoni's potential involvement and hints at the complexities that might be influencing his decision.
Dhoni's credentials as a leader are unquestionable. He is the only captain to have won all three ICC trophies: the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy. His calm demeanor, tactical brilliance, and ability to nurture young talent make him an ideal candidate for a mentoring role. The BCCI believes that his presence could significantly benefit the next generation of Indian cricketers, particularly in high-pressure tournament environments.
However, since retiring from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni has been selective about his commitments with the Indian team. He briefly served as a mentor during the T20 World Cup 2021, but India's performance in that tournament was underwhelming.
The dynamic between Dhoni and the current head coach, Gautam Gambhir, is another critical factor. While both share mutual respect, reports suggest a historically mixed relationship and potential ideological differences. It is speculated that Dhoni might be hesitant to step into a role that could potentially blur responsibilities or create friction within the team management.
Gautam Gambhir took over as India's head coach in July 2024, succeeding Rahul Dravid. Gambhir's appointment followed a successful stint as a mentor with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), leading them to the IPL title. As head coach, Gambhir's focus is reportedly on cultivating a culture of excellence, discipline, and teamwork, while also nurturing young talent. He has brought in experienced specialists like Morne Morkel as bowling coach and Sitanshu Kotak as batting coach. India has won Champions Trophy 2025 under his guidance.
Adding to the complexity, Dhoni's commitments to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL could also influence his decision. With IPL 2026 scheduled shortly after the T20 World Cup, Dhoni might find it challenging to balance both roles. His priority might be to focus on a fitting farewell season with CSK.
Despite these challenges, the prospect of Dhoni mentoring the team has generated excitement. The BCCI's reported offer includes a broad mentorship role across various teams, indicating their confidence in his ability to shape the future of Indian cricket. Whether Dhoni accepts this offer remains to be seen, but the decision will likely depend on his equation with Gambhir, his IPL commitments, and his overall vision for contributing to Indian cricket.
