Former captain MS Dhoni has delivered a strong warning to Team India ahead of the T20 World Cup in 2026. With dew predicted to play a factor in the 20-team competition, particularly at Indian sites, Dhoni believes things might shift dramatically.
The Asian giants start firm favourites, not just because they are co-hosts but also due to their excellent form. However, the presence of dew could threaten the reigning champions’ chances of lifting the title, as the toss might play a decisive role.
Talking about India’s prospects in the tournament, Dhoni said they are one of the most dangerous teams and boast plenty of experience. That said, the 44-year-old admitted that the dew factor worries him. In a video shared on X from a recent event, he said:
“It’s one of the most dangerous teams. They’d have already started batting or bowling. But what all is needed in a good team? Everything. 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. What worries me, again, I hate dew. Dew changes a lot of things.”
MS Dhoni
The Men in Blue have yet to lose a T20I series since winning the World Cup in 2024. Under Suryakumar Yadav, the top-ranked T20I team has lost only seven of 43 games.
MS Dhoni confident of Team India’s dominance against top teams
MS Dhoni, who guided India to victory in the T20 World Cup in 2007, believes that players can have poor days, but the true impact is felt in knockout games. He elaborated:
“So, even when I was playing, something that really scares me was the dew, where toss becomes crucial and all of that. If we are playing ten matches with some of the best teams, we will come out as winners more often than not. If the condition is neutral and all of that. 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 T20 cricket.”
MS Dhoni
“Whether it happens in the league stage, whether it happens in the knockout stage, that’s where all prayings are needed. Nobody should get injured. Whatever roles are given, people should accomplish their roles for the team. If that’s the case, I don’t want to jinx it by saying, it’s one of the most dangerous teams.”
MS Dhoni
Team India will begin their campaign against the United States on February 7 in Mumbai.
