Is Coaching in MS Dhoni’s Future? Ex-Captain’s Next Move
What’s Next for MS Dhoni?
MS Dhoni, the legendary former captain of India and veteran of the Chennai Super Kings, has stepped down from IPL 2025, leaving fans wondering about his next move. For the past few years, Dhoni has kept his options open, stating that he’ll make a decision based on his physical condition as the next IPL season approaches. He acknowledges that training gets tougher with each passing year, and at 44, approaching 45 by the next edition, only he knows how his body will hold up. While there’s a chance he might return to CSK next year, whether as a player or in another role remains to be seen.
The Coaching Debate
One role fans have eagerly anticipated for Dhoni is coaching. However, it’s important to note that he has never formally coached a team. The closest he came was during the 2021 T20 World Cup, where he served as a mentor for the Indian cricket team. While Dhoni as a coach is still a far-fetched idea, the possibility of him mentoring a team can’t be entirely ruled out, according to former India pacer Atul Wassan.
“I think he is fit for a mentor, but for coaching, Dhoni does not have patience. Because you know if he becomes a coach, then his lifestyle will keep looping the same way, like touring with the team and all that. Why would he want all that?”
Wassan explained on the Bails and Banter show on OTTPlay.
Control vs. Collaboration
Wassan aptly pointed out that coaching involves the same level of commitment as playing, except for the on-field action. It requires constant travel with the team, which is why Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid chose not to renew their contracts. The demanding schedule took a toll on their personal lives.
India’s current head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has a contract that extends to the 2027 World Cup. Whether he receives an extension will depend on his performance. As for Dhoni, Wassan believes he is better suited for a mentoring role, contrasting it with the control-oriented nature of coaching.
“No, coaching is for people who are control-fixed, like Gautam Gambhir, because he needs importance but mentoring is like ‘come, have a sit, let’s eat together,’ and some players actually approach you. So you don’t have to be the mentor, but there is mentoring going on around the whole universe of cricket. People who are close to you will approach you and take advice, whether you are a mentor or not,”
he elaborated.
Enjoying the Off-Season
Dhoni is currently enjoying the off-season in Ranchi after CSK finished the IPL 2025 season in 10th place. He is believed to be fulfilling his promise of taking bike rides. He has four months to decide his future, with CSK fans hoping he’ll stay on until the franchise secures its sixth IPL title.
