‘Remember Australia had Steve Waugh in 2019 Ashes’ - Sourav Ganguly explains MS Dhoni’s appointment as India’s mentor for T20 World Cup 2021

MS Dhoni’s appointment as Team India’s mentor for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2021 has taken the cricket world storm. While several fans are thrilled with the news, many are curious to know Dhoni’s exact role. After all, the national team already has a large support staff. On being asked about the same, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly explained how the former Indian captain’s presence would help the Men in Blue.

The southpaw emphasized Dhoni has been roped in to provide additional help to the side. Ganguly further asserted former Australian captain Steve Waugh had a similar role during the 2019 Ashes series in England. For the unversed, Waugh joined the Australian support staff for the particular series and his inclusion indeed proved beneficial.

The visitors drew the series 1-1 and retained the Ashes urn. Ganguly also expects Dhoni to do a similar job. The former Indian opener also believes the wicketkeeper’s excellent record in the shortest format and experience will also help India.

We discussed a lot and then decided to have MS Dhoni on board: Sourav Ganguly

“It’s just to help the side in the World Cup. He has a good record in the T20 format for India and the Chennai Super Kings. There has been a lot of thought behind it. We discussed a lot and then decided to have him on board. We haven’t won an ICC trophy since 2013,” Ganguly told The Telegraph.

“Remember Australia had Steve Waugh in a similar role when they drew the Ashes 2-2 in England the last time. The presence of such heavyweights in big-ticket events always helps,” he added.

Notably, Team India hasn’t won any ICC trophy since their triumph in Champions Trophy 2013. Nevertheless, the Virat Kohli-led side has been doing exceptionally well in white-ball cricket lately. Hence, they’ll start the tournament as one of the favourites. However, in a format like T20I, a single mistake can end India’s hopes to getting the glory.

It has to be noted Dhoni led India in all the six previous editions of the T20 World Cup. The wicketkeeper-batter even led the side to the title in the inaugural competition in 2007. Hence, it will be interesting to see how he fares in the mentor’s role.