Jharkhand’s incredible triumph in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 was more than just a win on the field, as it was the result of careful planning, smart decisions, and the huge influence of MS Dhoni. They had crushed Haryana in the final to lift their major domestic title earlier this month.
How MS Dhoni’s Silent Masterclass Engineered Jharkhand’s Historic SMAT Win
Jharkhand’s maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy victory was celebrated for Ishan Kishan‘s impressive leadership on the field, but the true architect of this historic triumph operated from the shadows, and he is none other than the former Indian captain Dhoni.
The former India spinner Shahbaz Nadeem revealed that Dhoni’s behind-the-scenes guidance was instrumental in Jharkhand’s journey from underdogs to SMAT 2025 champions. The legendary wicketkeeper had been closely involved with the team throughout the season.
Read Also: MS Dhoni blamed by another teammate over his phone aversion
The Mentor in the Shadows: Decoding Dhoni’s “Silent Role”
Dhoni hasn’t played for Jharkhand since 2015, but his commitment never wavered. Nadeem revealed that one of the greatest ever captains, MSD, was in regular touch with players and management, giving advice on strategy and team structure long before the tournament started.
Nadeem was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo: “When we started the season, right from the appointment of the coaching staff, we have always taken his (MS Dhoni’s) advice and suggestions. He followed the entire [SMAT] tournament, noted all the strengths and weaknesses of the players, and discussed with us.”
Building a Winning Blueprint: Trust in Local Talent
The transformation of the Jharkhand cricket team started even before the domestic season began. Dhoni had advised the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) against quick-fix external hires, encouraging them to rely on local knowledge and stability rather than bringing in outsiders.
Following the former Indian captain’s advice, the JSCA appointed the longtime age-group coach Ratan Kumar as head coach, with Sunny Gupta taking charge of the bowling department. This ensured trust, continuity, and a deep understanding of the players’ strengths.
JSCA’s joint secretary further noted, “He knows the stats and numbers of each domestic player from Jharkhand. He is very interested in helping Jharkhand cricket grow.”
Read Also: Ishan Kishan’s India ODI comeback confirmed after iconic Vijay Hazare Trophy century
“Just Be Calm”: The Dhoni Mantra That Transformed the Team
MS Dhoni’s simple philosophy, “Just be calm and back your game,” translated their game into fearless T20 cricket. Even wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra credited his mentorship for his and the team’s success. Dhoni’s involvement went into even more detail.
He closely followed the numbers, stats, and performances of every domestic player from Jharkhand. Even the coaching staff admitted they were surprised by how quickly the team came together.
A Blueprint for Success Beyond the Trophy
The JSCA administration, led by Shahbaz Nadeem and Saurabh Tiwary, also introduced performance-linked incentives for coaches, encouraged by Dhoni, which strengthened accountability and belief throughout the team.
