Published on: Sep 1, 2025 5:19 pm IST|Updated on: Sep 1, 2025 5:19 pm IST
A massive rumor has been making the rounds. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly offered MS Dhoni a mentorship role across all formats of the game. If accepted, Dhoni would become a guiding figure not just for the senior men’s team but also for the women’s and junior squads.
However, the offer comes with complications. According to a report by CricBlogger, Dhoni is unlikely to accept the role while Gautam Gambhir remains head coach of the national team. The two former teammates have had a history of differences dating back to their playing days, and Dhoni is said to be wary of overlapping responsibilities that could lead to friction in the mentorship role.
This isn’t the first time BCCI has offered MS Dhoni a mentorship role. Back in 2021, the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman was previously appointed as Team India’s mentor for the ICC T20 World Cup 2021, held in the UAE. That stint, however, ended in disappointment. India failed to qualify for the semi-finals, losing to Pakistan by 10 wickets and New Zealand by 8 wickets in the group stage. It was one of India’s worst performances in a global ICC event, and Dhoni’s presence in the dressing room didn’t help the Indian side a bit. During Dhoni’s mentorship in the 2021 T20 World Cup:
Unlike the 2021 appointment, which was limited to a single tournament, the current offer is broad and long-term. Some of the key highlights of this offer include:
The BCCI reportedly believes that Dhoni’s calm demeanor, tactical depth, and championship pedigree could be transformational for emerging talent, especially in high-pressure environments.
The biggest hurdle in Dhoni’s potential return is Gautam Gambhir, Team India’s current head coach across formats. Gambhir, who took over after Rahul Dravid’s tenure, has already led India to a Champions Trophy win in 2025 and has maintained continuity in the white-ball formats. However, the red-ball team has struggled, with heavy defeats in Australia and a home whitewash at the hands of New Zealand, despite a drawn series in England.
Dhoni and Gambhir’s relationship has long been speculated upon. While they shared the field during India’s 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup triumphs, their off-field rapport has been nothing short of lukewarm. Gambhir has publicly criticized Dhoni’s captaincy decisions in the past, particularly around batting orders and team selections.
Sources close to Dhoni suggest that he is not keen to work under Gambhir’s leadership, fearing a clash of philosophies and potential role ambiguity.
At 44 years of age, Dhoni continues to defy expectations by playing in the IPL for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). He led CSK to their fifth title in 2023, and is reportedly preparing for one final season in 2026. Despite persistent rumors, Dhoni has never taken up a full-time coaching role, either at CSK or elsewhere.
His commitment to CSK and the future of the franchise is rock solid. He is expected to be involved with the team in some sort of capacity even after he retires from IPL. The BCCI’s offer reportedly accommodates this, allowing Dhoni to remain involved with CSK while contributing to national development programs.
If Dhoni accepts the role post-Gambhir’s tenure, his mentorship could offer:
The news of Dhoni’s potential return has sparked massive excitement among fans, many of whom still regard him as India’s greatest cricketing mind. Social media has been flooded with hashtags like #DhoniMentorAgain and #BringBackMahi, reflecting the emotional connection he continues to enjoy.
However, some experts have urged caution, pointing to the 2021 World Cup failure and the need for clear role definitions. Former players like Irfan Pathan and Sanjay Manjrekar have emphasized that mentorship should be hands-on and tactical, not ceremonial.
The BCCI is expected to revisit the offer once Gambhir’s contract is reviewed at the end of the 2025-26 season. If Gambhir steps down or transitions into a different role, Dhoni could be brought in as part of a dual leadership structure, possibly alongside a new head coach. For now, Dhoni remains focused on CSK and his personal fitness to play yet another season of IPL representing his beloved Chennai Super Kings.