MS Dhoni And Gautam Gambhir: BCCI Cooking Up A Recipe For Disaster

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

MS Dhoni and Gautam Gambhir [Source: @CricCrazyJohns, @ms_dhoni_077/x.com]MS Dhoni and Gautam Gambhir [Source: @CricCrazyJohns, @ms_dhoni_077/x.com]

Rumours of MS Dhoni being offered the role of Team India's mentor for the T20 World Cup 2026 surfaced after a random report. As speculation gains traction among fans, the cricket fraternity stands divided over this potential move from the BCCI.

While MS Dhoni has proven credentials, pairing him with the current Indian head coach, Gautam Gambhir could create more problems than solutions.

Gambhir's Revolution vs Dhoni's Traditional Approach

Since taking up the office, Gautam Gambhir has consciously attempted to revolutionise Indian cricket. For the T20 format, he has adapted the policy of selecting specialists and introduced the philosophy of breaking down matches into 120 deliveries, rather than viewing them as just 20 overs, with each ball having the potential to impact the game.

With Suryakumar Yadav as the T20I captain, Gambhir has created a fresh T20 squad. He has introduced his thought process with the induction of new members into the idea after seniors like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja bid adieu to the format post the 2024 T20 WC victory. This modern, data-driven approach could directly clash with MS Dhoni's instinctive, and spontaneous style.

Sweet And Sour Relationship Of The Two

Gambhir has never been shy about expressing his opinions in any matter. After his cricketing career came to an end, he was often heard publicly criticising Dhoni on various aspects. In some interactions, he blamed MS for his dismissal in 2011 WC final for 97, claiming the skipper's reminder about needing three runs for a century caused a rush of blood leading to a rash shot. He also termed Dhoni's 2012 rotation policy of senior players as a flawed strategy.

Most notably, Gambhir has termed Dhoni as a very lucky captain, having an amazing team, and pointed out that leading the unit in the 2011 World Cup was very easy for him. These public statements show ideological differences between the two and these could resurface if they are once again in the same dressing room.

Conclusion

The same reports that claimed MS Dhoni might be offered the role also suggested that the World Cup-winning skipper might not accept the offer because of ideological differences with Gambhir.

While MS Dhoni's experience in big tournaments is invaluable, introducing him into Gambhir's well-functioning ecosystem risks disrupting team dynamics and creating authority conflicts. India's current trajectory under Gambhir suggests that the team does not need any external complications. The unit requires continuity and a clear leadership structure to sucessfully defend their T20 World Cup title.