BCCI turns to Dhoni for broad mentorship role
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly approached former captain MS Dhoni with a sweeping all-format mentorship role. The position would extend beyond the men’s senior team to include India’s women’s and junior squads, signaling the board’s intent to leverage Dhoni’s stature to groom the next generation of talent.
According to a report by CricBlogger, Dhoni’s willingness to accept the role could depend on whether Gautam Gambhir continues as head coach across all three formats. Their past differences, dating back to their playing days, remain part of the backdrop as BCCI explores ways to bring Dhoni into its long-term cricketing structure.
Dhoni’s focus and Gambhir’s current challenges
Dhoni, now 44, has never officially taken up a high-level coaching role despite repeated speculation. He briefly served as a mentor during the 2021 T20 World Cup but has since concentrated on playing for Chennai Super Kings, with the upcoming IPL season expected to be his last.
Gambhir, meanwhile, is navigating the pressures of leading India in all formats. Though inexperienced in formal coaching, he built a reputation as a mentor with Lucknow Super Giants before guiding Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL 2024 title. Under his watch, India lifted the 2025 Champions Trophy and sustained white-ball success, but red-ball form has been uneven, including a home whitewash and defeats abroad.
Observers suggest that Dhoni’s potential appointment could alter the dynamics of Gambhir’s role, either as support or as a perceived check on his autonomy.
Manoj Tiwary reignites old debates
The mentorship reports have also sparked sharp commentary from former India batter and West Bengal Minister Manoj Tiwary. Speaking to ANI, he took a cheeky swipe at Dhoni’s reclusiveness:
“Did he pick up the phone? Because it is difficult to reach him. Even replying to messages is rare; many players have said the same.”
Tiwary, who played 15 ODIs and 3 T20Is for India, has long voiced frustration over limited opportunities despite notable performances. In a candid reflection with CricTracker, he linked his stalled career to Dhoni’s influence:
“Dhoni had favorites whom he backed strongly. Unfortunately, I was not among them.”
His remarks revive longstanding debates about favoritism during Dhoni’s captaincy years and fuel ongoing discussions around selection transparency in Indian cricket.
A pivotal moment for Indian cricket
Whether Dhoni accepts the BCCI’s offer remains uncertain, but the very prospect underscores his enduring influence in Indian cricket. If he does step into the mentorship role, the combination of Dhoni’s calm tactical instincts and Gambhir’s aggressive coaching style could shape India’s trajectory heading into the 2026 T20 World Cup and beyond.
At a broader level, the move reflects Indian cricket’s transitional phase — with young stars emerging, senior players nearing twilight, and leadership structures being recalibrated. Regardless of Dhoni’s decision, his name alone continues to dominate headlines, a reminder of his unmatched legacy and relevance years after international retirement.
