MS Dhoni Likely to Join Indian Team as Mentor for T20 World Cup 2026

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly reached out to former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, asking him to take up the role of team mentor for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. According to Indian media reports on Monday, the board is keen to bring back Dhoni’s experience and leadership to guide the national side during the mega event.

The tournament will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, which adds even more significance to the event for Indian cricket fans. Although Dhoni has not yet given an official response, the BCCI remains hopeful that he will agree to join the team in this important role.

If Dhoni accepts the offer, it will be his second time serving as mentor of the Indian cricket team. His first stint came during the 2021 T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Back then, he worked alongside captain Virat Kohli. Unfortunately, India’s campaign ended earlier than expected as they failed to qualify for the knockout stage. Despite the disappointing result, several players praised Dhoni’s calm approach, his valuable advice, and the positive energy he brought to the dressing room.

At 44 years old, Dhoni is still celebrated as one of India’s most successful cricket leaders. Under his captaincy, India achieved historic milestones by winning three major ICC trophies: the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy. No other Indian captain has managed to achieve this rare treble, making Dhoni’s legacy unique in world cricket.

However, some reports suggest that Dhoni might decline the offer this time. One reason being discussed is the possible inclusion of Gautam Gambhir in the team’s coaching or management setup. While Dhoni and Gambhir share deep respect for each other and unforgettable on-field partnerships, such as the 2007 T20 World Cup final and the 2011 ODI World Cup final, the two have also been known to differ in their cricketing views and philosophies.

The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to be played in February and March, with India and Sri Lanka jointly organizing the tournament. If Dhoni does join, his presence would undoubtedly give India a huge boost, both mentally and strategically.

It is also worth mentioning that Dhoni continues to remain active in the Indian Premier League (IPL). During the 2025 season, he played all 14 matches for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). After Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out due to injury, Dhoni even returned to lead the side as captain in the second half of the tournament. He managed to score 196 runs in 13 innings at an impressive strike rate of 135.17, proving that even at this stage of his career, his batting and leadership remain impactful.

For millions of fans, Dhoni is more than just a cricketer — he is a symbol of composure, self-belief, and success. Known as one of the greatest captains in the history of the sport, Dhoni’s return to the Indian dressing room, even in a mentoring capacity, would be a moment of pride and excitement for Indian cricket.

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