T20 World Cup 2021: Bringing MS Dhoni On Board As A Mentor Is Virat Kohli's Decision, Says Monty Panesar

Former England spinner Monty Panesar believes that Virat Kohli is the main reason behind the inclusion of MS Dhoni in the India National Cricket Team as a mentor for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021.

The Legendary Indian captain MS Dhoni who recently led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) towards their 4th title win in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has joined team India’s camp as a mentor for the mega event. Dhoni is regarded as one of the most successful captains in the history of world cricket. Under Dhoni, India has won the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 50-over World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy.

In an interview with TimesofIndia.com Monty Panesar was questioned about the impact of MS Dhoni the mentor in the Indian team to which he replied:

“Bringing Dhoni on board as a mentor is Virat’s decision. He must have said…look this is my last World Cup as T20I captain, last time that I will be leading the side, I have played under Dhoni and learnt from him.”

Panesar believes that Virat Kohli wanted to have Dhoni by his side chasing his maiden senior ICC trophy as a captain. He stated:

“He wanted a nice memory. He wants to finish on a high, that’s why he brought in Dhoni as a mentor. He wanted Dhoni by his side while chasing his maiden ICC trophy.

Panesar praised Dhoni for not charging any fees for the mentorship and he was confident that India will do good in the presence of Dhoni and Kohli. He said:

” Dhoni is not charging anything, which is so good to see. He is a legend of the game. Virat wants his presence and I am sure these two guys Dhoni and Virat together will do wonders for Team India in the World Cup.

MS Dhoni Knows How To Win Tournaments – Monty Panesar

Former England spinner was asked whether Dhoni can help Virat in breaking that jinx and finally win his maiden senior ICC trophy to which Panesar responded by saying that MS Dhoni knows how to win the big tournaments and he will help Virat Kohli in making plans for the mega event. Monty Panesar elaborated:

“Yes, very much. Dhoni knows how to win tournaments. He will be a guiding force for Virat from the dressing room. Virat and Dhoni together have won many matches for India and they know each other very well. In fact, Virat has huge respect for Dhoni. Dhoni knows how to win big games and Virat would want to pick those tactics and pick Dhoni’s brains. He would want to lead the way Dhoni did in World Cups and big tournaments. They both together will make plans and win the games.”

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