Mahendra Singh Dhoni remains one of the most admired figures in world cricket. Fans often wonder if the man who won India three ICC trophies as captain will return to guide the national team as head coach. But recent comments from former cricketer and analyst Aakash Chopra suggest otherwise.
Aakash Chopra’s Bold Statement
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra stated clearly that Dhoni will never take the role of head coach. He explained that the workload of a head coach is even tougher than that of a player. The position demands 10 months of continuous travel, training, and pressure.
Chopra said Dhoni has already given most of his life to cricket. Now, he prefers to spend more time with his family instead of returning to a demanding, full-time coaching schedule.
BCCI’s New Plan for Dhoni
Despite Chopra’s opinion, reports suggest that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is working on a plan to involve Dhoni in a different capacity. Instead of a head coach, Dhoni may be appointed as a consultant across all three formats: Test, ODI, and T20.
The BCCI believes Dhoni’s calm leadership, sharp decision-making, and proven record in grooming young players will be invaluable for Indian cricket. His guidance has already been a key factor behind the Chennai Super Kings’ success in the IPL.
Initially, the board has invited Dhoni to act as a consultant for the 2026 T20 World Cup, similar to his short-term role in the 2021 edition.
The Gambhir Factor
Currently, Gautam Gambhir is the head coach of Team India. And here lies the challenge. While both Dhoni and Gambhir have contributed immensely to Indian cricket, their past differences are well known.
Gambhir has openly voiced his frustration that his 97-run knock in the 2011 World Cup final was overshadowed by Dhoni’s famous winning six. Beyond that, their leadership styles are also poles apart. Dhoni is calm and process-driven, while Gambhir is aggressive and result-oriented.
Cricket insiders fear that having two strong leaders at the same time may create confusion. As the saying goes, two swords cannot be kept in the same sheath.
Will Dhoni Say Yes?
Dhoni has always prioritised the team over personal recognition. If he feels his presence as a consultant will clash with Gambhir’s authority, he may decline the role. However, the BCCI remains eager to use the experience of two legends for the future of Indian cricket.
Whether Dhoni and Gambhir can work together for the greater good is a question that remains unanswered. For now, fans can only wait to see if Indian cricket witnesses a historic partnership or another missed opportunity.