BCCI Offers MS Dhoni Mentorship Role for T20 World Cup 2026; Manoj Tiwary Reacts

Rumours have surfaced that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has offered former India captain MS Dhoni the mentorship role for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. If he accepts, it would be Dhoni’s second stint as mentor, having previously held the role during the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE.

Former India batter Manoj Tiwary reacted to the speculation, joking about Dhoni’s inaccessibility. “Only time will tell. He has been given the offer. Woh phone uthaye hain na? (Did he pick up the phone?) Because it is difficult to reach him. Replies to messages from him are also very rare,” Tiwary told ANI.

Dhoni’s previous mentorship in 2021 saw the Virat Kohli-led team exit at the group stage, including defeats to Pakistan and New Zealand. Despite that, Dhoni remains the only Indian captain to have won all three ICC white-ball titles: the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup, and 2013 Champions Trophy. He retired from international cricket in August 2020 but continues to play for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.

Tiwary also highlighted the potential mentorship dynamic between Dhoni and current Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir. “The pairing of MS Dhoni and Gautam Gambhir will also be worth watching,” he said, noting their memorable fourth-wicket partnership in the 2011 World Cup final against Sri Lanka, and Gambhir’s past criticisms of media focus on Dhoni during that tournament.

“His experience as a captain and player will be very useful, especially for the new players and emerging stars of the Indian team,” Tiwary added, leaving the cricketing world eager for Dhoni’s decision.