Sandeep Patil: I hope MS Dhoni’s role doesn’t end here

Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Pic/AFP

The inclusion of Mahendra Singh Dhoni as mentor of India's T20 World Cup squad was welcomed by Sandeep Patil, the former India batsman, coach and chairman of selectors.

Dhoni is being viewed in some quarters as a possible successor to chief coach Ravi Shastri, whose contract runs out after the mega T20 global event in the UAE and Oman.

Back in 1996

Patil was himself roped in to be then cricket manager Ajit Wadekar's assistant in the 1996 World Cup held in the sub-continent. He got the job of coach after the World Cup, where India lost to eventual champions Sri Lanka in the semi-finals at Kolkata.

Sandeep Patil (left) with former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin (centre) and manager Ajit Wadekar in 1996. Pic/midday archives

"You can draw some similarities although the circumstances were different," Patil said referring to his stint which only lasted six months.

Patil, who coached Dhoni at the India ‘A' level and was chairman of selectors when he was captain, said the ex-India skipper will add much value to the current team. "He's cool and calculated. He will offer an opinion only when he has to and not unnecessarily. That will bode well with Virat Kohli and Ravi. The important thing is that he should enjoy it.

"Look, it is one thing to get the job, quite another to enjoy it and be successful. It's paramount he enjoys it and I hope his role doesn't end here," said Patil.
He ruled out any chance of interference. "I know Dhoni very well. He's not the type who will stir the pot. He realises that it's Virat's ship and the captain will run it. I'm so glad that he has accepted this post. With Ravi's term coming to an end and if Rahul Dravid is not taking it up, someone has to. Dhoni will be wearing a new cap and I am sure he will add a feather to it. He will do a good job," said Patil, stressing that even present coach Shastri did well after shifting roles from a commentator to coach.

‘Gonna be a challenge'

The Mumbai stalwart was chairman of selectors during the last T20 World Cup (India lost to West Indies in the semis). "It's going to be a challenge. You will not be playing at home. But India have a fine squad. I'm a touch disappointed not to see Yuzvendra Chahal in the mix, but I'm glad Ravichandran Ashwin is in. I'm a big fan of Ashwin and I think he can play a big role," concluded Patil.

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