When it comes to the T20 World Cup, MS Dhoni is arguably among the first images that will come to your mind. Pictures of a long-haired Dhoni in a sleeveless India jersey lifting the 2007 T20 World Cup in South Africa is one of the iconic moments in the history of cricket's shortest format.
The 2026 edition of the T20 World Cup kicks-off on Saturday (February 7). India, who are the tournament co-hosts alongside Sri Lanka, are favourites to defend their title. Not only do India have the top-ranked batter and bowler in the ICC T20I rankings, they are also no.1 in the team rankings in this format.
Suryakumar Yadav's side has also not lost a single tournament since winning the 2024 T20 World Cup in USA-West Indies. They won all the bilateral series and also emerged victorious in the multi-national 2025 Asia Cup. Not surprisingly, they are overwhelming favourites and Dhoni termed the Indian team as a 'dangerous' outfit.
"They are one of the most dangerous teams,' said Dhoni in the chat show named Mahi Unplugged.
"What all do you need in a good team? They have got all of that. They have experience, I mean the experience they have in this format is vast. They have played under pressure. Whoever are playing, whatever roles they are playing, they have been in that situation for a considerable amount of time."
However, there is one glaring bit of history that is against India. No home team has ever won a T20 World Cup. Of course, no team has defended the T20 World Cup successfully either. They have the opportunity to create unreal history if they go all the way in the 2026 edition. What weaknesses do they have? Dhoni, the seasoned campaigner that he is, had only one point in mind.
"What worries me, I hate dew. Dew changes a lot of things. So, even when I was playing, what really scared me was dew. Then the toss becomes all about that. If we are playing ten matches with the best of teams, we will come out winners more often than not, if the conditions remain neutral."
"The problem is when some of your players have a day off or somebody from the opposition has a brilliant day. It can happen in T20 cricket. Whether it happens in the league stage, or in the knockout stage, that's where all the prayers are needed. Nobody should get injured, everyone should do their jobs. If that is the case then, I don't want to jinx it, one of the most dangerous teams."
MS Dhoni talks about the current Indian T20I team and the T20 World Cup 🎙:
— ` (@WorshipDhoni) February 3, 2026
Says they're one of the most dangerous teams, but he's worried about the dew. He absolutely hates it.. 😂 pic.twitter.com/bgol7Fm8R6
