India will kick off their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign later this week with a clash against the USA at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, the team enters the tournament as defending champions after lifting the trophy in 2024 under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy.
That win marked India’s second T20 World Cup title, the first having come way back in 2007. As the team now aims for a historic third title, former captain MS Dhoni has shared his thoughts on India’s chances and the challenges that could lie ahead.
MS Dhoni Calls India a “Most Dangerous” Team
MS Dhoni, who captained India to their maiden T20 World Cup triumph in 2007, believes the current squad has all the ingredients to succeed. Speaking on Mahi Unplugged, he described India as one of the strongest sides in the competition, while also pointing out a potential concern.
“It’s one of the most dangerous teams. You know, they would have already started batting or bowling. But what all is needed in a good team? Everything is there. They have the experience. Especially when it comes to this format, the experience is vast. They have played under pressure. Whoever is playing whatever roles they are playing in the team, they have been in that situation for a considerable period of time,” MS Dhoni said on Mahi Unplugged.
Dew Could Be a Major Factor
While backing the team strongly, MS Dhoni admitted that playing conditions, especially dew, could influence results. From his own playing days, he knows just how much it can affect matches.
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“What worries me? Again, I hate dew. Dew changes a lot of things. So, even when I was playing, something that really scared me was dew. Where the toss becomes crucial and all of that. If we are playing 10 matches with some of the best teams, we will come out as winners more often than not. If the conditions remain neutral,” he added.
The Unpredictable Nature of T20 Cricket
MS Dhoni also highlighted how unforgiving the T20 format can be, where even strong teams can be undone by one bad day.
“The problem is when some of your players have a day off and somebody from the opposition has a brilliant day. And it can happen in the T20 group. So, that’s the time. Whether it happens in the league stage, whether it happens in the knockout stage, that’s where all the praying is needed. You know, nobody should get injured. Whatever roles are given, people should accomplish their roles for the team,” he said.
“And if that’s the case, I don’t want to jinx it by saying anything. But it’s one of the most dangerous teams,” he concluded.
Why MS Dhoni Is Unlikely to Take Up Commentary
Away from World Cup talk, MS Dhoni also opened up about life after retirement and why commentary is unlikely to be part of it. The former captain, who led India to three ICC titles, said the job comes with its own challenges.
“Commentary is very difficult. I feel there is a very fine line between describing the game and in that process getting into a zone where you start criticising individuals who are playing the game. It’s a very thin line,” MS Dhoni told sports broadcaster Jatin Sapru during a Youtube interaction.
He explained how easy it is to cross that line without even realising it.
“Often, you don’t even feel that what you are doing is may be borderline wrong. You would always like to be on the other side where you are describing the game. If you feel something is wrong you say it out.
“But how to put it, that is also an art, how to politely put it forward where nobody feels targetted…If the team is losing there are reasons behind it, and you need to have the skill of describing those reasons without anybody feeling bad. That is the art of commentary,” he said.
Not a Fan of Stats Either
Another reason MS Dhoni feels commentary may not suit him is his relationship with statistics, or lack of one.
“I’m not good with stats…but there are a lot of people who are very good with stats. They know stats…If you ask me about my stats, I’ll be like hmmm and there are certain people who know stats about not just Indian cricket team or the Indian players but everyone throughout the era,” he said.
A Good Listener Who Avoids Phone Calls
Known for his calm mind and sharp decision-making during his career, MS Dhoni was also asked if he ever seeks advice in cricket or life. His answer reflected his personality.
“I’m a very good listener. Yes I do speak with people who I’m comfortable with. But I’m more of a listener than a speaker. And if I don’t know about the topic I don’t speak much because I will be absorbing more if I’m listening,” he said.
“I never feel that urge to contribute if I don’t know…being a good listener you don’t always have to look for advice…They keep floating around just with certain people who you are having a conversation with.
“You need to have that intelligence to figure out what works the best for you,” he added.
Still Awkward on the Phone
Despite all his experience and success, MS Dhoni admitted there’s one thing he still hasn’t mastered: phone calls.
“I’m not good in that way of communicating. I like to sit across and speak to people. I’m not someone who’s very good over the phone because I can’t see a face. So, I’m a very awkward guy when it comes to speaking on the phone.
“So that’s something I want to improve but I’m glad I haven’t improved,” he joked.
“You know when initially mobile phones came it was for the benefit of the people who own the phone. Now your mobile phone is for my benefit,” he said.
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