Dew changes a lot of things: Dhoni cautions India ahead of T20 WC

Former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has flagged dew as a key factor that could influence India’s campaign at the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, saying changing conditions can undermine even the most meticulous planning in white-ball cricket.

While reiterating his belief that India possess the experience, skill and balance to succeed in a high-pressure tournament, Dhoni cautioned that dew often turns the toss into a decisive element and can create uneven contests, regardless of team strength.

Advertisement

“What worries me? Again, I hate dew. Dew changes a lot of things. So, even when I was playing, something that really scared me was dew.

“Where the toss becomes crucial and all of that. If we are playing 10 matches with some of the best teams, we will come out as winners more often than not. If the conditions remain neutral,” Dhoni said.

The two-time World Cup-winning skipper
expressed confidence in India’s prospects at the marquee tournament. India enter the tournament as the defending champions, and their batting line-up is packed with some of the biggest six-hitters in the world, and in Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy, they have two of the best bowlers around.

Dhoni underlined that India’s strength lies in how well players manage pressure situations and execute clearly defined roles.

He noted that the side remains in a constant match-ready mindset, whether batting or bowling, which gives them a significant edge over their rivals.

“It’s one of the most dangerous teams. You know, they would have already started batting or bowling. But what all is needed in a good team? Everything is there.”

“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,” Dhoni said at an event.

Dhoni also stressed the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, where a single poor outing or an exceptional performance by the opposition can quickly alter the course of a match or tournament.

“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. So that’s the time – whether in the league stage or the knockout stage, that’s where all the praying is needed. You know, nobody should get injured,” he said.

“Whatever roles are given, people should accomplish their roles for the team. And if that’s the case, I don’t want to jinx it, but it’s one of the most dangerous teams,” he concluded.