Cricketing legend MS Dhoni labelled the Suryakumar Yadav-led T20I side as one of the most dangerous teams to feature in the T20 World Cup 2026, which is scheduled to start from February 7. Dhoni, who captained India during their first-ever T20 World Cup win, believes that the current side is ready to defend the silverware.
MS Dhoni on India's T20 World Cup win
Defending champions India will start their T20 World Cup campaign against the United States, which will take place at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 7. The high-voltage clash between India and Pakistan will take place on February 15 in Sri Lanka.
“It's one of the most dangerous teams. You know, they would have already started batting or bowling. But what is needed in a good team? 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," Dhoni said on Mahi Unplugged.
MS Dhoni on dew factor in T20 World Cup 2026
Dhoni also pointed out that one factor that has always troubled captains in white-ball cricket is dew. Admitting that it personally worried him during his playing days, the former captain explained how dew can completely change the course of a match.
“What worries me? I really hate dew. Dew changes everything. Even when I was playing, it was something that scared me. The toss becomes very important because of it. If you play 10 matches against top teams in fair conditions, you’ll win most of them,” he said, adding that neutral conditions often bring out the true strength of a team.
MS Dhoni on unpredictable T20I format
One of the most successful T20 captains, Dhoni also spoke about how unpredictable the format can be. He said that in T20 cricket, even strong teams can suffer if a few players have an off day or if someone from the opposition produces a special performance.
“The real problem comes when a few of your players don’t perform and someone from the other team has an outstanding day. That can happen at any stage in a T20 tournament — whether it’s the league matches or the knockouts. That’s when you start hoping everything goes right,” he explained.
MS Dhoni's advice to Team India
Dhoni advised Team India to stick to their roles and everyone should do the job given to them and if they follow this then the team is in a very strong position.
“No one should get injured, and everyone should do the job given to them. If that happens, then the team is in a very strong position.”
He ended by saying, “I don’t want to jinx anything by saying too much, but this is one of the most dangerous teams out there.”