'He knows stats of each player': MS Dhoni's behind-the-scenes work behind Jharkhand’s SMAT triumph

MS Dhoni's behind-the-scenes work behind Jharkhand’s SMAT triumph

Ishan Kishan is carrying on the tradition of Jharkhand cricket by helping the state win its first Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Jharkhand cricket has produced many international players who have represented India at the highest level. Following in the footsteps of Jharkhand's biggest star, MS Dhoni, Kishan has been called up to the Indian team for the T20 World Cup next year.

Dhoni is still very much associated with cricket, especially in Jharkhand, where a reorganization of the Jharkhand State Cricket Association's hierarchy in 2024 resulted in the actions taken to win this title. He quit the international game in 2019 but is still a regular in the IPL.

Men's coach Ratan Kumar and former spinner Shahbaz Nadeem, who is currently the JSCA's joint secretary, were important figures. However, without Dhoni's influence, Kumar might not have been chosen to lead the side.

Talking to ESPNcricinfo, Nadeem disclosed that Dhoni's counsel had been consulted over the reorganization and future planning of cricket in the state. Dhoni eventually became heavily involved, keeping him informed about coaching appointments and even evaluating the players available to the club.

"When we started the season, right from the appointment of the coaching staff, we have always taken his advice and suggestions,” said Nadeem. “He followed the entire [SMAT] tournament, noted all the strengths and weaknesses of the players and discussed with us,” continued the former spinner.

Jharkhand won 10 of 11 games to win the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Notable players included young star Kumar Kushagra, who established himself as a lethal finisher down the order, and Kishan, who hammered 517 runs in 10 innings while captaining the team at an incredible 197. Anukul Roy, who had a fantastic tournament with 303 runs and 19 wickets, received player of the tournament for his all-around achievements.

However, Dhoni's influence was evident in the tournament's overall planning and player selection, as Jharkhand scored 262 against Haryana in the final, winning comfortably and igniting jubilation throughout the state.

“He knows the stats and numbers of each domestic player from Jharkhand. He is very interested in helping Jharkhand cricket grow,” said Nadeem of the legendary captain, suggesting that his contribution to the growth of Indian cricket will never truly end.