MS Dhoni has only agreed to mentor India for T20 World Cup only: BCCI secretary Jay Shah
Among the many surprises in the announcement of India’s squad for the T20 World Cup, the appointment of Ms Dhoni as the team’s coach during the multinational tournament starting on October 17 helped raise eyebrows.
The former captain, who led India to glory in the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup in 2007, will work with Ravi Shastri-led support staff and skipper Virat Kohli in the UAE.
MS Dhoni is expected to join the squad after completion of his Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 stint with Chennai Super Kings. Dhoni arrived in Dubai last month and has been training with a few of his CSK teammates for the resumption of the tournament from September 19.
Speaking about MS Dhoni’s appointment, Board of Control for Cricket in India secretary Jay Shah said he spoke to the former captain in Dubai about the role of the mentor for T20 World Cup. Shah said Dhoni readily agreed to the offer and that he was committed to serving the team, this time as a member of the support staff.
Glad MS Dhoni accepted the offer: Jay Shah
Jay Shah made it clear that MS Dhoni’s appointment is only for the T20 World Cup and the former captain agreed to the role for the duration of the T20 tournament. The BCCI secretary added that the decision was discussed with Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri before it was made official on September 8.
“I am glad that MS has accepted this offer and he is keen to contribute to our national team once again. MS Dhoni will work closely with Ravi Shastri as well as the other support staff to provide support to Team India,” Jay Shah said.
“As far as MS Dhoni is concerned, I spoke to him when I was in Dubai. He agreed to be the mentor of Team India for the T20 World Cup only. I discussed this with my colleagues also, they are also in the same page. I spoke to the captain and Vice-captain as well as Ravi Shastri. That’s why we reached the conclusion.”
India announced a 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup and named 3 stand-by players. While off-spinner R Ashwin returned to the side, leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, all-rounder Krunal Pandya and opener Shikhar Dhawan were among the notable omissions.
