Aakash Chopra Gives His Verdict About MS Dhoni Potentially Becoming Team India’s Head Coach

There is a possibility that MS Dhoni might take up a coaching role at Chennai Super Kings, potentially working alongside Stephen Fleming.

Aakash Chopra Gives His Verdict About MS Dhoni Potentially Becoming Team India’s Head Coach

Aakash Chopra suggested that MS Dhoni might not take up teh role of Team India's head coach in the future. (via ESPN Cricinfo)

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Former Indian cricketer-turned analyst Aakash Chopra weighed in on why MS Dhoni is unlikely to become the India’s head coach in the future. Chopra stated that coaching is a demanding and time-consuming job, and suggested that Dhoni may not be interested.

At 44, MS Dhoni‘s most recent appearance was for the Chennai Super Kings in the 2025 IPL season. The former India captain led the Men in Blue to victory in the ICC 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy. A formidable middle-order batsman as well, Dhoni is also India’s sixth-highest run-scorer across all formats, having amassed over 17,000 runs in 535 matches.

In the IPL, MS Dhoni has an unparalleled legacy, having transformed CSK into the most successful franchise. He has led Chennai to the IPL final on ten occasions, more than any other franchise, and has won the IPL title five times.

Dhoni made history by becoming the oldest player to ever captain a side in the IPL, when he was forced to take over the role during the 2025 season following Ruturaj Gaikwad’s season-ending injury.

Now at the dawn of his cricketing career spanning nearly three decades, everyone is anticipating the moment when the 44-year-old announces his retirement from playing and puts an end to the continuous speculation about his future. It is highly anticipated that MS Dhoni could take up a coaching role after retirement, given his calm and composed demeanor and his ability to guide young players.

When asked by a fan about the possibility of MS Dhoni becoming Team India’s next head coach, former cricketer Aakash Chopra provided a surprising take. On his YouTube show, the 47-year-old predicted otherwise, suggesting that Dhoni might not want to remain heavily involved in cricket after his retirement, especially after spending half his life in a high-pressure environment, leading both the Indian team and CSK.

I don’t think he [MS Dhoni] is interested. Coaching is a difficult job. Coaching keeps you as busy as you were when playing, and sometimes even more than that.

Aakash Chopra went on to say that coaching a team is a challenging job that requires a significant time commitment and effort, keeping an individual busy throughout a year. This, he predicted, could be the reason why MS Dhoni would not accept such a position, as he would likely want to spend time with his family. Chopra added that this is why many players do not get into coaching, and if they do, they prefer to coach franchise teams in the IPL, rather than national teams.

You have a family, and you say that you have done the same thing your entire life, you have lived your life out of a suitcase… If you become a full-time Indian head coach, it’s a commitment of 10 months in a year.

MS Dhoni did have a brief coaching stint with the Indian cricket team in 2021 when he was appointed as the mentor for India’s ICC 2021 T20 World Cup squad in the UAE. However, the Men in Blue had a difficult tournament, getting eliminated in the Super 12 stage and failing to reach the knockouts.

MS Dhoni and Gautam Gambhir Seen Together at a Star-Studded Wedding in Gujarat

Former Indian teammates MS Dhoni and Gautam Gambhir, were spotted together at the star-studded wedding reception of Utkarsh Sanghvi, the brother of Gujarat Minister Harsh Sanghvi. The two former players attended the event before Gambhir’s trip to the UAE, for the Asia Cup.

MS Dhoni Gautam Gambhir wedding
MS Dhoni and Gautam Gambhir were spotted together at a star-studded wedding. (via India Today)

MS Dhoni, who attended the wedding with his wife Sakshi Singh, was seen wearing a green blazer, while Gambhir wore a gray outfit. Gautam Gambhir and Dhoni were photographed laughing together while in conversation, with fans highlighting the camaraderie they share. In addition to the two legends, Indian ODI captain Rohit Sharma and T20I star Tilak Varma were also present at the event.

Several other former Indian cricketers also graced the occasion with their presence, including former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh, all-rounder Irfan Pathan, and former wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel. All of them posed for pictures with the groom, Utkarsh Sanghvi, and the bride, Dhvani Kanungo.