MS Dhoni back with new ad ahead of Cricket World Cup 2023, has a ‘mat bol’ message for fans

The World Cup season is here and former India captain MS Dhoni is back with another cheeky advertisement. Ahead of the Cricket World Cup, starting October 5, Dhoni has an important message for fans and the well-wishers of the Rohit Sharma-led cricket team – play down the hype.

Flaunting his new hairstyle in the advertisement for a popular biscuit brand, MS Dhoni is seen joining a news panel discussion. When asked about his thoughts on the World Cup chances, the former skipper has a simple message: “Don’t talk about India’s chances”.

“Mat Bol,” Dhoni says as he goes on and explains why.

Cricket World Cup 2023: Full Coverage

Notably, Dhoni was part of a similar ad campaign ahead of the T20 World Cup in 2022. Dhoni was seen endorsing the biscuit brand in a unique campaign that aimed to recreate the magic of 2011 – the year India won the World Cup and the year in which the brand was launched in the country. The campaign, titled #BringBack2011, was designed to spark playful moments among cricket-loving Indians and featured Dhoni alongside his daughter, Ziva Dhoni, marking her first endorsement deal.

However, the Dhoni character in the advertisement seems to have learned its lessons – don’t create hype. India reached the semi-final of the T20 World Cup in 2022 but lost to England by 10 wickets.

“Listen to me, carefully. Let’s not discuss India’s chances in the World Cup. You know what happens when you create so much hype about something?” Dhoni said in the ad video.

When asked about last year’s campaign and how India reached the semi-finals, Dhoni added: “This time, let’s not take any chances. We won’t say anything.”

“Even if we win the first match, don’t say anything. Even if we beat them (Pakistan), don’t say anything. Even if we reach the final, don’t say anything. Till we get what everyone wants, don’t say anything.”

India begin their World Cup campaign on October 8 against Australia in Chennai. New Zealand and England meet in the opener at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday, October 5. India will take on Pakistan in the much-expected World Cup meeting on October 14.