Former India skipper MS Dhoni has shared an optimistic assessment of India’s chances at the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. He asserted that the current squad has the potential to dominate the tournament.
Speaking in New Delhi, Dhoni said the team has a strong blend of experience and skill. He added that the team’s mental toughness strengthens this balance and helps them succeed at the highest level.
“It’s one of the most dangerous teams. You know, they would have already started batting or bowling. But what does a good team need? Everything is there. They have the experience. Especially when it comes to this format, the experience is vast. They have played under pressure. Whoever is playing whatever roles they are playing in the team, they have been in that situation for a considerable period of time,” MS Dhoni said at an event.
Dhoni stressed that India’s strength lies in the players’ preparedness and their understanding of individual responsibilities. He explained that members of the squad remain mentally and technically ready at all times, whether they are likely to bat or bowl, which provides a competitive advantage.
While expressing confidence, Dhoni flagged dew as a major variable in white-ball cricket.
He noted, “What worries me? Again, I hate dew. Dew changes a lot of things. So, even when I was playing, something that really scared me was dew. Where the toss becomes crucial and all of that. If we are playing 10 matches with some of the best teams, we will come out as winners more often than not. If the conditions remain neutral.”
Reflecting on his own career, Dhoni admitted that dew was always a concern, as it could undo even the most meticulous planning. He remarked that if playing conditions remain balanced, India would be more likely to prevail against the top opposition over a series of matches.
Dhoni also pointed to the unpredictable nature of the T20 format, where results can swing rapidly.
“The problem is when some of your players have a day off, and somebody from the opposition has a brilliant day. And it can happen in the T20 group. So, that’s the time. Whether it happens in the league stage, whether it happens in the knockout stage, that’s where all the praying is needed. You know, nobody should get injured. Whatever roles are given, people should accomplish their roles for the team,” he said.
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