When the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India’s roster for the T20 World Cup, which begins October 17 in the United Arab Emirates, it was expected to make headlines. That changed though when secretary Jay Shah stated that former India captain MS Dhoni was going to be joining the team as a World Cup advisor.
In an interview with Jay Shah, the former skipper stated MS Dhoni was eager to contribute to the Indian team when Jay Shah approached him with the proposition. The BCCI secretary said he was pleased that Dhoni volunteered to serve as a mentor for Virat Kohli and his team in the UAE, which is a critical job for them.
Even two months before the announcement, Jay Shah had considered using MS Dhoni’s experience. This led to Shah inviting Dhoni to be a mentor for the Indian squad in Abu Dhabi.
T20 World Cup captain MS Dhoni agreed to the proposal after receiving clarification on his role in the tournament.
Shah approached Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who both agreed to the suggestion.
Consequently, the BCCI secretary spoke with Ravi Shastri, India’s head coach, whose final task will be the T20 World Cup. “MS Dhoni will go as a coach and would adopt a similar role with equal responsibility,” Shah said to the former India captain.
“I’m glad to see Dhoni take over as the team’s mentor,” said Shastri, who added that Dhoni’s appointment would improve the team.
Shah discussed it with BCCI colleagues later before the board announced the appointment on Wednesday.
T20 World Cup 2007 and World Cup 2011 champion MS Dhoni’s experience will be highly essential as India gears up for what is expected to be a tightly contested edition of the T20 World Cup. Dhoni had a good relationship with both Shastri and Kohli, as well as the rest of the team. Many of the young players that were selected on Wednesday look up to the former captain.
After the T20 World Cup, Ravi Shastri’s time as India’s head coach will come to an end, and the country will be on the search for a new coach. Even if Dhoni doesn’t become a coach in the immediate future, the BCCI may retain his services in similar mentorship roles for significant events in the short term.
The World Cup will be held in India in 2023. There is also a chance that Virat Kohli’s team may play in the upcoming T20 World Cup, which will take place between October and November in Australia next year.
On August 15, 2020, MS Dhoni will retire from international cricket. The IPL has not forgotten him, though, as he has continued to play for the Chennai Super Kings. A few CSK colleagues including Dhoni have been practicing in the UAE in preparation for the IPL’s return.
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