T20 World Cup 2026: MS Dhoni reacts to India's chances
Former India captain MS Dhoni has shared his assessment of the current Indian T20 setup as the team prepares for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, offering a strong vote of confidence in the reigning champions. The former skipper, who led India to multiple ICC titles, described the present squad as one of the “most dangerous teams” in world cricket, highlighting the balance and maturity that now define the side. Dhoni emphasized that India’s strength lies in its remarkable depth across departments. From explosive top-order options to adaptable middle-order batters and a versatile bowling attack, the team possesses the resources to respond to different match situations.
T20 World Cup 2026: MS Dhoni responds to India defending their title
He also pointed to the growing experience within the squad, noting that many players have been part of high-pressure tournaments and understand what it takes to succeed on the global stage. Another key factor, according to Dhoni, is the clarity of roles within the team. Each player appears well aware of their responsibilities, allowing the unit to function seamlessly under pressure. This understanding, he believes, is crucial in T20 cricket, where margins are slim and decision-making must be instant.
“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," stated former Indian captain MS Dhoni.
However, MS Dhoni also drew attention to a familiar challenge that has long unsettled captains in white-ball cricket - the impact of dew. The former India skipper openly admitted that dew was always a major concern during his playing days, describing it as one of the most unpredictable factors in limited-overs matches. According to Dhoni, dew can drastically alter the balance of a game, often neutralising even the best-laid plans.
He explained that heavy dew can make the ball difficult to grip, reducing a bowler’s control and limiting variations, particularly for spinners. At the same time, it can significantly aid batting, making stroke play easier under lights and diminishing the effectiveness of defensive strategies. Dhoni noted that once dew sets in, captains are often left with very few tactical options, regardless of preparation. Reflecting on his own experiences, he acknowledged that managing dew was always a challenge, especially in high-pressure matches. In Dhoni’s view, teams heading into major tournaments must factor in such conditions while planning combinations and strategies, as dew can influence results just as much as skill or form.
“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,” Dhoni added.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest captains in T20 cricket, MS Dhoni further emphasized the inherent unpredictability of the shortest format, cautioning that even the most well-prepared teams are not immune to sudden setbacks. He pointed out that T20 cricket is uniquely unforgiving, where a single off-day, a brief lapse in execution, or an exceptional performance from the opposition can quickly change the course of a match. Dhoni explained that unlike longer formats, there is very little time to recover once momentum shifts. A few overs can undo months of preparation, making consistency and adaptability crucial.
This, he believes, is the only real challenge facing the host nation heading into the tournament. While India may possess depth, experience, and tactical clarity, the nature of T20 cricket ensures that no side can afford complacency. According to Dhoni, success in such tournaments often depends on how teams respond to pressure moments rather than their overall strength on paper. Managing nerves, making smart decisions under stress, and staying composed during critical phases could ultimately determine how far the hosts go in the competition.
“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,” Dhoni concluded.
