The speculation around Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Gautam Gambhir joining forces in India’s coaching setup for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup has already created a buzz among fans and former cricketers. Former India batter Manoj Tiwary believes that if this pairing materialises, it would be fascinating to watch, combining two legends whose leadership and cricketing acumen shaped India’s 2011 World Cup triumph.

Recent reports suggest that the BCCI is considering Dhoni as a mentor for the national team for next year’s T20 World Cup, which India and Sri Lanka will jointly host. If confirmed, Dhoni would work alongside Gambhir, who was appointed India’s head coach earlier this year, forming a coaching duo with immense experience at the international level.

Speaking to ANI, Tiwary joked about Dhoni’s famously reclusive nature before weighing in on the potential collaboration.

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“Did he even pick up the phone? It’s tough to get through to him because he rarely answers calls or replies to messages,” Manoj Tiwary said. “The real question is whether he would accept the role. But if he does, his experience as a captain and player will be invaluable. Younger players in the squad have huge respect for him. A Gambhir-Dhoni combination on the bench will be worth watching.”

Dhoni is no stranger to mentoring roles. He served as India’s mentor during the 2021 T20 World Cup, guiding the team under the leadership of Virat Kohli with Ravi Shastri as head coach. With three ICC titles and five IPL championships with Chennai Super Kings, Dhoni’s leadership legacy makes him an ideal candidate, though whether he is willing to step back into a high-pressure role remains uncertain.

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Adding intrigue are long-standing rumours of a frosty relationship between Dhoni and Gambhir, though neither has publicly confirmed any discord. If the duo joins forces, it would mark a reunion of two cricketing minds responsible for one of India’s most iconic moments—Gambhir’s 97-run knock and Dhoni’s match-winning six in the 2011 World Cup final.

With the T20 World Cup 2026 approaching, the potential Dhoni-Gambhir coaching combination promises a storyline cricket fans will eagerly follow, blending experience, strategy, and the aura of two of India’s most celebrated cricketers.