Will MS Dhoni Take Up the Call for Team India Mentorship?

Fans of cricket have been watching every step of MS Dhoni for years and even now since his retirement from international cricket, the excitement about his choices has not dissipated. The most recent buzz is about the rumors of the Board of Control for Cricket in India providing him with the position of mentor to the national team prior to the T20 World Cup 2026. This is not the first time that there were such rumors because Dhoni had been a mentor when the T20 World Cup was held in 2021. But the one thing that many are questioning is whether Dhoni would even accept such a position and if he has even received a response to the offer.

Former cricketer Manoj Tiwary entered the debate with some spicy words. Tiwary, who shared a dressing room with Dhoni both for India and in the Indian Premier League, expressed his skepticism about how accessible Dhoni is actually. In his opinion, it is never easy to get a response from the former captain. Tiwary even joked on whether Dhoni had replied to his call or not as messages sent to him mostly go unattended. There have been numerous players who in the past talked about how Dhoni prefers staying isolated and avoids usual interaction once he's off the field.

Even at 44 years of age Dhoni has still been playing for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL and this is one main reason that the fans continue to see him play every year. Outside of the IPL though Dhoni leads a very low-key lifestyle. His occasional shows and limited interaction with the press only add to the fascination of the supporters. For one who picks silence and distance most of the time it is not difficult to see why Tiwary opines that verifying such rumors is not an easy task.

Although it is uncertain if Dhoni will take up the mentorship job there is no question that his inclusion would add value to the Indian team. Tiwary himself admitted that Dhoni’s experience as both a captain and a player could be of immense help to young cricketers who look up to him with deep respect. The calmness and leadership that Dhoni displayed throughout his career are qualities that many believe could inspire the current squad especially as India prepares for major tournaments.

Still there are multiple questions that need answers. Will Dhoni take up the offer if indeed it has been extended? Will his temperament and working style gel with the current head coach Gautam Gambhir? Tiwary said that Gambhir and Dhoni together would be something to watch out for. Both men are tough characters with incisive cricketing minds. While Gambhir is known for his direct approach and aggressive mindset Dhoni has always been the calm decision maker who lets his game speak louder than his words. If they do work together it could create a fascinating dynamic in the dressing room.

The speculation around Dhoni’s involvement also shows how important his legacy still is for Indian cricket. Even years later after relinquishing captaincy he is always the focal point whenever leadership comes up. To fans his availability on the pitch whether in the IPL or as a potential mentor with the country side is a source of delight. To players more so the young ones it is an opportunity to tap into one of the most successful captains in cricket.

Tiwary's comments illustrate how unpredictable Dhoni has been when it comes to accepting jobs other than playing. It came as a shock that he chose to lead India as a mentor in 2021 and similarly, that he chose to keep playing in the IPL despite being old. It is something of his own charm. Fans never get to know what his next step is going to be which is why each rumour receives so much publicity.

There is also the reality that Dhoni has always been action-oriented rather than vocal. He is not someone who likes to speak much or be seen frequently on public interviews. That is why reports of him being difficult to reach seem credible. For one who has achieved nearly everything in cricket ranging from World Cup victories to IPL championships the motivation to undertake an aggressive mentorship role would have to originate from within. Whether he is inclined towards being back in the international setup as a mentor to players only time will tell.

If he does decide to join forces with the BCCI and take up the mentor position the rewards can be immense. Players can benefit from his strategic knowledge of T20 cricket his pressure-handling skills and his ability to make intelligent choices at critical junctures. His presence alone can lift morale in camp as even experienced players admire his accomplishments and game-sense.

Conversely if Dhoni chooses to stay out of the public eye it won't be a surprise either. He has never minded his private space and has lived happily away from cameras. For him the IPL already serves a means of staying close to the game without embracing the ongoing pressures that are associated with an official position for the national side.

The doubt surrounding this issue is what keeps both fans and analysts in discussion. Will the BCCI succeed in getting him in as mentor once more or will Dhoni wish to keep watching from the sidelines and make do with his limited cricket in the IPL? Manoj Tiwary's statement tells us that where Dhoni is concerned one can never be certain. Until he himself weighs in the gossip will be nothing but gossip.

What is sure however is that Dhoni still has a special position in Indian cricket. His name is still a cause for debate his decisions still make headlines and his personality still attracts attention. Whether he takes a call or not his impact on the game is still there and his mention while discussing the future of Indian cricket is an example of his enduring legacy.