Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar believes MS Dhoni’s hiring as a mentor will benefit the Indian team’s performance at the 2021 T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates. The BCCI revealed the Indian team on September 8, as well as a surprise involving Dhoni, who announced his retirement from international cricket in August 2020, According to Gavaskar, Dhoni has the ability to lead India to another multi-nation victory after winning 3 ICC titles. Meanwhile, Gavaskar seemed a little nervous, appealing with Dhoni and head coach Ravi Shastri to “get on the same path.”
Gavaskar was worried that if Dhoni and the team management didn’t think along with the same parameters, the team’s performance would collapse. “Under his leadership, India won the 2011 World Cup, and four years before that, India won the 2007 T20 World Cup. It’s definitely going to benefit Team India,” Gavaskar said.
MS Dhoni’s appointment itself will be a big boost for Team India: Gavaskar
“At the time, (then-head coach) John Wright was a bit nervous, he probably thought I was going to take his place. But Ravi Shastri knows that MS Dhoni has very little interest in coaching. Ravi Shastri and MS Dhoni, if the partnership goes well, India will benefit a great deal from it,” Gavaskar said.
“But if there are disagreements over tactics and team selection, then there might be a bit of an effect on the team. But MS Dhoni’s appointment itself will be a big boost for Team India,” he stated.
“MS Dhoni’s appointment is good news for India but I am just praying there is no clash. But if Ravi Shastri and MS Dhoni can get on the same wavelength, then it’s big news for India,” Gavaskar added.
Ravi Ashwin has been included in the team, but Gavaskar believes it will be difficult for the off-spinner to get into the starting XI instantly. Yuzvendra Chahal has been dropped out of the team, which is a surprise.
India will open their campaign versus Pakistan on 24th October at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
