Former India captain MS Dhoni has never been one to chase the spotlight after retirement, and his latest comments explain why fans are unlikely to see him in the commentary box anytime soon. The 44-year-old, who led India to three ICC titles, believes television commentary is far more challenging than it appears, requiring a delicate balance between honest analysis and empathy for players still competing at the highest level.
Since stepping away from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni has largely avoided public opinions on the game, choosing to let his actions speak during the Indian Premier League with Chennai Super Kings. In a recent YouTube interaction with broadcaster Jatin Sapru, Dhoni admitted that while commentary looks glamorous from the outside, it comes with its own pressures and responsibilities.
“Commentary is very difficult,” MS Dhoni said. “There is a very fine line between describing the game and, in that process, getting into a zone where you start criticising individuals who are playing the game. It is a very thin line.”
The former India captain explained that commentators must be mindful of how their words land, especially when teams or players are struggling.
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“Often, you do not even feel that what you are doing may be borderline wrong. You would always like to be on the other side where you are describing the game,” he added. According to Dhoni, the real skill lies in explaining what’s going wrong without making anyone feel targeted. “If the team is losing, there are reasons behind it. You need to have the skill of describing those reasons without anybody feeling bad. That is the art of commentary.”
Another reason Dhoni feels he may not fit seamlessly into the commentary setup is his self-confessed weakness with statistics. In an era where data-driven analysis dominates broadcasts, Dhoni believes his style is more instinctive than numerical.
🚨MS Dhoni reveals why he will never become commentator🚨
MS Dhoni said:🗣️
“Commentary is very difficult. I feel there is a very fine line between describing the game and in that process getting into a zone where you start criticising individuals who are playing the game. It’s… pic.twitter.com/LwltRTOIdd
— SatyamCricHub (@SatyamCricHub) February 4, 2026
“I am not good with stats,” he said. “There are people who know stats not just about the Indian team but about everyone across eras. If you ask me about my stats, I will be like, ‘hmm’.”
Away from cricket talk, Dhoni also offered insights into his personal communication style. Known for his calm leadership on the field, he revealed that he prefers listening over speaking. “I am more of a listener than a speaker. If I do not know about the topic, I do not speak much because I will be absorbing more if I am listening,” Dhoni shared. He believes valuable advice often emerges naturally in conversations, provided one has the awareness to pick what truly works for them.
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In a lighter moment, MS Dhoni confessed to being uncomfortable with phone conversations. “I like to sit across and speak to people. I am not someone who is very good over the phone because I cannot see a face. So I am a very awkward guy when it comes to speaking on the phone,” he joked, adding that while he wants to improve, he’s “glad I haven’t.”
For fans hoping to hear Dhoni’s voice regularly on air, this candid reflection makes it clear: the former captain values authenticity, restraint, and face-to-face connection over the spotlight of the commentary box.
