Former England spinner Monty Panesar believes Virat Kohli must have played a big role in bringing MS Dhoni as the team mentor for the T20 World Cup 2021 in the UAE and Oman. Panesar further mentions Kohli wants to finish his captaincy on a high and want to win this tournament.
When the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the squad for the T20 World Cup 2021 back in September, they appointed MS Dhoni as the team mentor for the tournament. This decision was brought well by the Indian fans and experts.
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Panesar believes it’s Virat Kohli who is behind this decision.
“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. He wanted a nice memory. He wants to finish on a high, that’s why he brought in Dhoni as a mentor,” Panesar told Times of India.
Dhoni retired from international cricket in August 2020 and the semifinal of the World Cup 2019 against New Zealand was his last game for India. This year’s T20 WC will mark Dhoni’s return in the Indian dressing room.
Former Indian skipper won three ICC tournaments for India while leading the side. Hence, Panesar feels Dhoni’s presence will give Kohli confidence to claim his first ICC title while captaining India.
“He wanted Dhoni by his side while chasing his maiden ICC trophy. And also, 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,” Panesar added.
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Former England spinner believes Dhoni knows what it takes to win a tournament and he can guide Kohli to the trophy.
“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,” Panesar said.
Talking about India’s chances of winning the tournament, he admitted India have what it takes to reach the finals.
“India are going to be strong favourites. They will be entering the tournament as title favourites. I reckon they will be making it to the final for sure. Virat is aiming for an ICC title win as captain. And he won’t leave this chance easily. This will be his last tournament as T20I captain and he is looking hungry for an ICC title,” he said.
India will kick off their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on October 24 in Dubai.
