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Why Can't MS Dhoni Apply For India’s Head Coach Role After Rahul Dravid's Departure?

MS Dhoni's active player status makes him ineligible for the role [x.com]MS Dhoni's active player status makes him ineligible for the role [x.com]

MS Dhoni, one of the greatest Indian cricketers and the only captain to win all three ICC trophies cannot become Team India’s head coach after the T20 World Cup 2024.

Despite his legendary status, Dhoni is still an active player, representing Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL.


Active Player Status

An active player cannot take on the full-time job of head coach for Team India. Dhoni would need to retire from playing for CSK to be eligible for this role.

Although he served as a mentor for the T20 World Cup 2021 it was a part-time position, and he did not charge a fee for his services.

The head coach role, however, demands nearly ten months of commitment each year, which is incompatible with his current status as a player.

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BCCI’s Upcoming Transition

Rahul Dravid’s tenure as Team India’s head coach is set to end after the 2024 T20 World Cup. Dravid is unlikely to reapply, prompting speculation about potential candidates.

High-profile names include former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir, mentor for IPL 2024 Winning team KKR, and Stephen Fleming, former New Zealand captain and current CSK head coach.

The BCCI has yet to release an official list of candidates, but public interest in the application process is high.

Dhoni’s Future Prospects

MS Dhoni is unlikely to apply for the head coach position. He enjoys a private life in Ranchi and avoids the limelight when he is not playing cricket.

Post-retirement, Dhoni might join CSK as a mentor, but there is no official word on his future with the team as a player. His retirement decision after IPL 2024 remains uncertain.

With a mega-auction ahead of IPL 2025, CSK is expected to retain Dhoni if he decides to continue playing. Dhoni handed over CSK’s captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad before IPL 2024.