MS Dhoni has just been inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, making him the eleventh Indian to be so honored and the only Indian in the latest group of seven inductees. He has had a wondrous career and is regarded as one of the most successful captains of India and the best finishers in white-ball cricket. But no matter whether he has earned this honor, really, what is stopping him from being appointed as a permanent coach for the Indian team?
Why can’t Dhoni coach India?
After his last game in 2020, following the hard-fought loss against New Zealand in the ODI World Cup semi-final of 2019, he permanently retired from international cricket. Yet, his affair with cricket continues even today. Being 43, he is still turning out for CSK in the IPL. Owing to his status as a current player, Dhoni is ineligible for a permanent coaching position with the Indian team, but he may be a mentor as he was in the 2021 T20 World Cup.
An inversion of fortune is how things went for Dhoni in the 2025 IPL, in his 14 matches managing only 196 runs and captaining after the injury of Ruturaj Gaikwad. After the Hall of Fame induction, Dhoni had communicated his immense pride and honor for having been named into such a prestigious group of cricketers.
“It feels great to be recognized in the ICC Hall of Fame, which celebrates players from all eras around the world. To have my name alongside these legends is truly special, and I’ll always treasure it,” he said.
