BCCI Approaches MS Dhoni for T20 World Cup 2026 Mentor Role

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly contacted former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, offering him the position of team mentor for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in 2026. The tournament is scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

According to reports, the BCCI is very interested in having Dhoni join the team for the competition and is awaiting his decision. It is anticipated that he will respond favorably.

If he accepts, this will mark Dhoni’s second time serving as a mentor for the national team. He previously held the position during the 2021 edition, which took place in the UAE.

During that tournament, Dhoni collaborated with Virat Kohli, who was the team’s captain at the time; however, India’s campaign concluded prematurely. Nonetheless, numerous players commended Dhoni’s advice and stabilizing influence within the team’s dressing room.

Dhoni, 44, a distinguished wicketkeeper-batsman, is celebrated as one of India’s most successful leaders. He has guided the team to secure three major ICC trophies: the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy. To date, he is the sole Indian captain to have accomplished this significant feat.

However, some reports indicate that Dhoni might decline the offer this time around, possibly due to Gautam Gambhir’s expected involvement with the team.

Despite their mutual respect and shared memorable moments on the field, notably in the 2007 and 2011 finals, Dhoni and Gambhir have reportedly had differing opinions regarding cricket strategy.

The 2026 T20 World Cup is set to occur in February and March, with India and Sri Lanka acting as joint hosts. It is worth recalling that Dhoni briefly took on the role of mentor for the national team during the 2021 T20 World Cup.

During the 2024 IPL season, Dhoni participated in all 14 matches for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Following an injury to Ruturaj Gaikwad, he captained the team in the latter half of the season, amassing 196 runs across 13 innings with a strike rate of 135.17.

Dhoni is widely acknowledged as one of the finest captains in cricket history, having successfully led India to victories in the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy.