MS Dhoni Joining Team India for T20 World Cup 2026?
MS Dhoni donned team India's mentor role once before, during the 2021 T20 World Cup
By : DC Web Desk
Update: 2025-08-31 09:26 GMT
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had reportedly approached Team India legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni to mentor the Indian side during the 2026 T20 World Cup.
According to media reports, Dhoni, who played his last T20 international match in 2019, was approached to be India's mentor as it prepares to defend the coveted trophy.
In 2021, the World Cup winning skipper had taken the responsibility to mentor the Indian side led by Virat Kohli. However, the result of the tournament did not go as planned with India losing to Pakistan for the first time in a World Cup. Men in Blue did not qualify for the knockout stage.
Nevertheless, many youngsters in the then team hailed Captain Cool for his guidance.
The BCCI once again looks to bank on the tactical brain of the 44-year-old but reports claim that he might turn down the offer, citing Gautam Gambhir's presence in the dressing room.
Although they both share mutual respect and camaraderie, Dhoni and Gambhir had ideological differences in the past.
The 2026 T20 World Cup would likely be held in February-March jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Currently, Suryakumar Yadav-led team India is busy preparing for the upcoming Asia Cup in T20 format.