MS Dhoni as India Head Coach? 1st serious discussion happens

Former India player Aakash Chopra opened up about the possibility of legendary wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni taking charge as India’s head coach. Chopra stated that many cricketers prefer short-term coaching opportunities, like the IPL, rather than full-time positions because of the travel and workload.

Gautam Gambhir is the current head coach of the Indian team, while MS Dhoni is still active in the IPL. The veteran last played for Chennai Super Kings in the 2025 season and is expected to remain connected with the franchise even after retirement. CSK retained Dhoni as an uncapped player for ₹4 crore.

MS Dhoni’s Stint as Mentor in the 2021 T20 World Cup Ended in Disappointment

MS Dhoni served as a mentor for India during the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE, but the campaign ended in disappointment as Virat Kohli’s team failed to progress beyond the group stage. They suffered losses to Pakistan and New Zealand before bouncing back with three consecutive wins.

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It is worth mentioning that the tournament also marked the end of Kohli’s tenure as T20I captain. Former Indian skipper Rahul Dravid then took over the charge as head coach.

India had ended an 11-year wait before lifting another ICC trophy at the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA. They entered the competition as the world’s top-ranked T20I side and secured the trophy unbeaten.

Don’t Know Whether MS Dhoni Would Have That Much Time - Aakash Chopra

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra said that MS Dhoni is unlikely to take charge as India’s head coach. He mentioned that Dhoni may prefer spending time with his family, as coaching the national side would require around ten months of commitment each year.

"That is a big one. I don't think he is interested. Coaching is a difficult job. Coaching keeps you as busy as you were when playing, and sometimes even more than that. You have a family, and you say that you have done the same thing your entire life, you have lived your life out of a suitcase, and you don't want to do that job now," Chopra responded.

"That is why a lot of players don't get into coaching, and even if they do, it's a two-month IPL stint. However, if you become a full-time Indian head coach, it's a commitment of 10 months in a year. I don't know whether Dhoni would have that much time. I will be amazed if he has that much time," he added.

You Have to Feel for Kuldeep Yadav - Aakash Chopra After England Tour

In the same video, Aakash Chopra questioned India’s selection strategy, noting that Kuldeep Yadav has been repeatedly overlooked in both Tests and ODIs. He added that debates about pairing Kuldeep with Yuzvendra Chahal are no longer relevant.

"Forget about Chahal, they have finished that talk, but they aren't even playing Kuldeep. Test series are passing one after the other, and you start feeling what wrong has he done? You have to feel for Kuldeep Yadav. If you don't, you are not a true follower of Indian cricket," he replied.

Also read: Ravichandran Ashwin blames Indian player for deliberately creating rift with CSK