When MS Dhoni calls a team dangerous, the cricket world listens. And this week, speaking at an event in Chennai, the legendary former captain delivered a characteristically understated assessment of India's T20 World Cup chances: "This Indian team is one of the most dangerous squads I've seen in the format. They have weapons for every situation."
The Left-Hand Revolution
India's batting lineup has undergone a subtle but significant transformation. The squad boasts an unusual concentration of quality left-handers — a tactical nightmare for opposition captains forced to constantly adjust their bowling plans. Against spin, this left-right combination creates relentless pressure; against pace, it disrupts line and length.
It's not just about personnel. India's batting order has become fluid, with roles defined by match situations rather than rigid positions.
The 'Retired Out' Gamble
Perhaps the most fascinating trend heading into the World Cup is the increasing use of "retired out" — a tactic where set batters voluntarily walk off to make way for power hitters in the death overs. Once considered unsportsmanlike, it's now a genuine strategic option. India's coaching staff has quietly been practising rotation scenarios in domestic tournaments.
The Competition
England, led by the evergreen Jos Buttler, remain a formidable threat. Australia's pace battery is the tournament's most feared. And host teams always carry the crowd factor. But if Dhoni's word carries weight — and when has it not? — India enter as the team nobody wants to face in the knockout stages.