In a revelation that adds a fascinating new layer to their historic triumph, it has emerged that former India captain MS Dhoni played a crucial, behind-the-scenes role in guiding Jharkhand to their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title this year. While the team, led by dynamic wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan, lifted the coveted domestic T20 trophy earlier this month, the foundations were reportedly laid by Dhoni's quiet yet impactful mentorship.
The Architect Behind the Scenes
Former India spinner Shahbaz Nadeem, now the joint secretary of the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA), has disclosed that Dhoni was deeply involved throughout the entire campaign. According to Nadeem, Dhoni maintained constant communication with both the team management and players, following the tournament closely and analyzing performances.
"When we started the season, right from the appointment of the coaching staff, we have always taken his (Dhoni's) advice and suggestions," Nadeem told ESPNcricinfo. He emphasized that Dhoni didn't just offer broad guidance but was intricately involved, noting the strengths and weaknesses of individual players and discussing strategies.
Building from the Ground Up
Dhoni's influence extended to the very structure of Jharkhand cricket. Advocating for stability and the promotion of local knowledge, he advised against external appointments for key coaching roles. Acting on his counsel, the JSCA appointed Ratan Kumar, a long-time age-group coach within the Jharkhand system, as the head coach. Sunny Gupta was named the bowling coach.
This focus on internal talent and systemic knowledge proved to be a masterstroke. Head coach Ratan Kumar admitted that even the team management was surprised by the speed of their success. "We thought we would take the first year in building the team," Ratan said. "But when I saw this bunch play T20 cricket, they were playing on a different plane."
A Lasting Legacy and Tangible Impact
Nadeem highlighted the depth of Dhoni's commitment, stating, "He knows the stats and numbers of each domestic player from Jharkhand. He is very interested in helping Jharkhand cricket grow." This connection runs deep; despite last playing for the state side in 2015 and retiring from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni has remained passionately invested in the cricketing ecosystem of his home state.
The administration led by Nadeem and Saurabh Tiwary also implemented performance-linked incentives for coaches—a move strongly backed by Dhoni. This policy was designed to reinforce accountability and belief within the setup, creating a professional environment focused on results.
Jharkhand's victory over Haryana in the SMAT 2025 final marked only the state's second major domestic title ever. While captain Ishan Kishan led from the front on the field, the revelation of Dhoni's meticulous guidance off it completes the picture of a perfectly orchestrated championship campaign, built on local wisdom and the quiet stewardship of a legend.
