From Whispered Advice to Silverware: The MS Dhoni touch behind Jharkhand's fairytale SMAT triumph

NEW DELHI: Jharkhand won their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title this year under the leadership of dynamic wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan, but it has now emerged that former India captain MS Dhoni’s quiet guidance played a key role in transforming a rebuilding side into national champions.

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Following Jharkhand's victory over Haryana in the SMAT 2025 final, former India spinner Shahbaz Nadeem has disclosed that Dhoni was deeply involved throughout the campaign, staying in constant touch with both management and players. Jharkhand lifted only their second-ever major domestic title earlier this month, and, according to Nadeem, the foundations were laid long before the first ball was bowled.




“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 followed the entire [SMAT] tournament, noted all the strengths and weaknesses of the players and discussed with us.”

Now serving as joint secretary of the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA), Nadeem revealed that Dhoni actively contributed to the restructuring of Jharkhand cricket, advocating stability and local knowledge over external appointments. Acting on Dhoni's advice, JSCA appointed Ratan Kumar — a long-time age-group coach within the system — as head coach, with Sunny Gupta named bowling coach.


Dhoni's involvement went far beyond broad guidance. “He knows the stats and numbers of each domestic player from Jharkhand,” Nadeem said. “He is very interested in helping Jharkhand cricket grow.”

That commitment has deep roots. Dhoni last played for Jharkhand in 2015 and, despite retiring from international cricket in August 2020, has remained closely connected to the state that shaped his journey.

Even those inside the camp were surprised by how quickly success arrived. “We thought we would take the first year in building the team,” head coach Ratan admitted. “But when I saw this bunch play T20 cricket, they were playing on a different plane.”

The Nadeem–Saurabh Tiwary administration also introduced performance-linked incentives for coaches — another Dhoni-backed move — reinforcing accountability and belief.


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