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Former India captain MS Dhoni has been offered a formal mentoring role by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), sources told CricBlogger on Friday.
Unlike his short-term mentorship during the 2021 T20 World Cup under Ravi Shastri’s coaching tenure, this proposal is broader in scope. The BCCI is understood to want Dhoni’s involvement across all its national teams — including seniors, juniors, and potentially even women’s cricket — with the aim of using his vast experience to groom emerging talents.
Dhoni, India’s most successful captain with three ICC trophies to his name, continues to command respect for his calm demeanor and sharp cricketing mind. The board believes his guidance could play a key role in shaping the next generation of Indian cricketers. “Dhoni is again offered to mentor Indian cricket,” a BCCI source said.
If finalized, the move would mark Dhoni’s first sustained involvement in Indian cricket’s official setup since his international retirement in 2020.
However, the offer to mentor the Indian team has always been on the table for MS Dhoni, even after his short stint during the 2021 T20 World Cup. This latest approach from the BCCI is a fresh attempt to bring him back into the fold, but sources suggest that Dhoni, being who he is, may not be keen to take it up immediately — especially with Gautam Gambhir now at the helm as head coach.
The two share a history of differences dating back to their playing days, and insiders believe Dhoni would prefer to avoid any situation that could lead to overlapping responsibilities or potential friction.
Moreover, with next year almost certain to be his final IPL season with Chennai Super Kings, Dhoni is expected to remain fully focused on his franchise commitments. Taking on an immediate mentoring assignment with the BCCI may not align with his current priorities, particularly as he continues to prepare both physically and mentally for what could be his farewell year in competitive cricket.
Players with depth of knowledge experience should be offered mentorship roles by BCCI. But their KRAs and objectives should be clearly defined with key outcomes. No point in creating roles with gray areas.
It is high time MSD moves on from playing to mentorship. He needs to let it go
This is a good move and thought process by BCCI .However at the same time the modalities in terms of when ,how and whom the mentorship ( on individual / team / basis )be given would be the key to deriving the maximum out of it .For eg a systematic approach like pre season / pre tournament / post success / failure etc .What say if an U 16 player of any state would like to get mentorship from MSD from BCCi long term view .How would that system be developed so that not only cricketers at international level but from state at grassroots level can attain the maximum out of this .Technology would then play a great role to connect Teams and players to widen the reach , scope and potential benefit .As a mentor i think only three Indian Players come to mind which is MSD , Sachin and Dravid .All three being batters I would the add a bowler mentor as well like Kumble / Zaheer Khan .Also yes as rightly pointed out dinning the role now would entail the risk of mental clash / conflict of interest from a National coach perspective ( Gambhir ) to a National Mentor perspective ( Dhoni ) since it is evident that GG approach towards Dhoni getting a lot of credit for 2011 world cup is/can be a big mindset impedident currently In the overall picture
Will he take the bait? Dhoni is an elusive cat.