MS Dhoni’s selection as Team India’s mentor for the forthcoming T20 World Cup 2021 has created quite a stir in the cricketing world. While many supporters are ecstatic with the announcement, many are curious about the specific involvement of MS Dhoni. The national squad, after all, already has a big support crew. When questioned about it, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly highlighted how the presence of the former Indian captain will benefit the Men in Blue.
Dhoni has been brought in to assist out the side, according to the southpaw. Former Australian captain Steve Waugh, according to Ganguly, played a similar role during the 2019 Ashes series in England. For the uninitiated, Waugh was a member of the Australian support staff for the series, and his presence was useful.
We talked for a long time before deciding to bring MS Dhoni on board: Sourav Ganguly to the Telegraph
The Ashes urn was maintained by the visitors after a 2-2 draw in the series. Dhoni is expected to undertake a similar role, according to Ganguly. The former Indian opener also feels that the wicketkeeper’s good record and expertise in the shorter format will benefit India.
“It is merely to assist the team in the World Cup. In T20 cricket, he has a strong track record for India and the Chennai Super Kings. There was a lot of thinking that went into it. We talked for a long time before deciding to bring him on board. Since 2013, we have not won an ICC trophy.”
“Recall that when Australia drew the Ashes 2-2 in England the last time, Steve Waugh was in a similar situation. It always helps to have such heavyweights in big-ticket events.”
Team India hasn’t won an ICC title since winning the Champions Trophy in 2013. Nonetheless, the Virat Kohli-led team has been doing admirably in white-ball cricket recently. As a result, they’ll be one of the favourites to win the event. In a format like T20I, though, a single blunder may put an end to India’s chances of winning.
Can the addition of the former Indian skipper actually help the team counter the threats that they will face in the upcoming tournament?
It’s worth noting that Dhoni has guided India to the T20 World Cup in each of the last six seasons. In the first edition in 2007, the wicketkeeper-batter even guided the team to victory. As a result, it will be intriguing to observe how he performs as a mentor.
His presence will surely be an asset to the Indian side. Head coach Ravi Shastri has Covid-19 and will need some time to recover. Keeping that in mind, MS Dhoni can give his inputs to the team that can help them produce better results and tackle the problems that they face in the T20 World Cup.
Virat Kohli and co. will be focused on winning an international trophy. With the experience of MS Dhoni by their side, the boost that the Indian team will get will be real. They are one of the contenders to take the trophy home and this could be the push that they eventually need. Let’s hope for the best.
