Whenever we mention MS Dhoni, we think of ice-cold finishes and a bat that appeared to be lifted by the Divine. Now, there are reports that he is stepping back into the fray with Team India – not as a player, but as a teacher or educator, as they plot their path towards the 2026 T20 World Cup. Twitter is ablaze, as is cricket Twitter. Everyone’s got an opinion, and the fanbase can’t decide whether to cheer or debate. But should India allow that? Let’s unpack this.
The Mentor Experiment: Tried Before, Did It Work?
MS Dhoni has been here before. In the 2021 T20 World Cup, he was a mentor, which might have been comforting for some, but it was not a winning tournament for India. According to critics, it was just a job of the kind that failed to meet its goals.
Part of the struggle was structural. Other countries might use mentors and consultants regularly to impact strategy or provide inspiration and uplift to an athlete; however, in India, professionals have historically relied on the input of their coaches and captain for tactical assessment. Without the ability to make decisions, a mentor becomes more like an erosion stick—a presence that is valued in theory but has no real influence.
Dressing Room Dynamics: Too Many Chefs?
One more thing to think about is team dynamics. After the 2024 T20 World Cup, there was a significant change in India’s T20 squad. Under the management of Gautam Gambhir, with a strong foundation, namely Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Shubman Gill, and a variety of young guys taking up large roles, the team is in a fragile but exciting transition.
Introducing Dhoni may be a mixed blessing. On the one hand, he is a living icon who is revered by all, which can only be a positive boost, and his ability to perform under pressure may be exactly what the team needs to enhance morale and togetherness. However, it may just add unnecessary friction to an established base of leadership, like Gambhir with the existing leaders. Like all things in social dynamics, it is understood that Dhoni and Gambhir keep a public and amicable relationship; introducing two very strong personalities may need to be managed carefully to avoid friction with differing visions on the prospects.
A Guiding Light for a New Era
Here is how Dhoni can really contribute: being in charge of a relatively inexperienced team in a high-pressure setting. After an era of Rohit, Kohli, and Jadeja, India is left tantalizingly close to the cusp of greatness, with a lot of raw talent yet limited exposure in a crunch against class opposition. This is where Dhoni’s calm, unflappable demeanor will play a role.
Dhoni’s biggest contribution is not with the tactics, but in man-management. He has managed egos and calmed nerves before pressure matches. The players in this squad may be feeling the pressure and anxiety, especially when there is a lot of competition for places. Dhoni, as a mentor, could help with the calm and the contribution by applying confidence and managing them without taking anything away from the team captains.
FAQs
- What would Dhoni’s role as mentor involve?
He would provide guidance, motivation, and strategic advice without direct coaching responsibilities.
- Would Dhoni have any say in team selection?
No, mentors typically do not influence official selection decisions.
- Could this move be more about marketing than cricket?
While it has promotional benefits, the primary advantage lies in his on-field guidance and man-management skills.
