MS Dhoni, Shastri, Kohli and Rohit form a potent leadership group: Ex-BCCI Treasurer

As the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup 2021 was announced, there were a few surprises in the 15-member squad, but the biggest surprise was the inclusion of MS Dhoni as a mentor for the tournament. Dhoni, who retired from international cricket last year, is currently in the UAE preparing for the IPL 2021 second leg and will stay back after the end of the tournament. 

This was going to be the first edition of the T20 World Cup when Dhoni was not going to be a part of the squad, having played all the editions before this as the skipper. However, his late entry to the side as a mentor will get a huge boost to the side. The decision was announced by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah. 

Former BCCI Treasurer Anirudh Chaudhry has expressed that the decision is quite good as it allows team India to have a potent leadership unit. “It is an excellent decision to bring MS Dhoni on board as the mentor for the team. MS, Ravi Shastri, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma form a very potent leadership group and this decision enhances the team’s chances at the ICC T20 World Cup. This decision of the BCCI Secretary must be lauded,” Chaudhary was quoted saying by TOI. 

He agreed to be the team mentor for the T20 World Cup only: Jay Shah on MS Dhoni

There have also been speculations if Dhoni has plans to become the next head coach, but that seems unlikely. Even though Shastri’s contract will end with the T20 World Cup, Dhoni is unlikely to take up the role after him as it was stated that his association with the Indian team as a mentor is totally one-off. Jay Shah in fact spoke about this during the press conference which was scheduled for announcing the T20 World Cup squad. 

“As far as MS Dhoni is concerned, I spoke to him when I was in Dubai so he was okay with the decision and he agreed to be the team mentor for the T20 World Cup only. I discussed this particular issue with my colleagues also, they are all on the same page,” Jay Shah said during the virtual press conference.

The second leg of the IPL 2021 will run between September 19 to October 15. The T20 World Cup will be starting on October 17. India’s first game will be against Pakistan on October 24 in Dubai.