Jharkhand’s stunning triumph in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025 was not just a result of on-field brilliance. Behind the scenes, one of India’s greatest cricket icons, MS Dhoni, played a quiet yet influential role in guiding his home state to its second-ever major domestic title.
Jharkhand clinched the SMAT crown earlier this month by defeating Haryana in a memorable final, creating history for the state. While the spotlight was firmly on the players and support staff, former India spinner Shahbaz Nadeem has now revealed how deeply Dhoni was involved throughout the journey.
Dhoni’s constant guidance from afar
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Nadeem—who currently serves as the joint secretary of the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA)—shared rare insights into Dhoni’s involvement with the team. According to him, Dhoni was in regular touch with the management and players, offering valuable advice from the very start of the season.
“When we started the season, right from the appointment of the coaching staff, we have always taken his (Dhoni) advice and suggestions. He followed the entire tournament, noted all the strengths and weaknesses of the players and discussed with us,” Nadeem said.
This hands-on approach highlighted Dhoni’s commitment to Jharkhand cricket, even years after his last appearance for the state.
A mentor who knows every detail
Nadeem further revealed that Dhoni’s involvement went far beyond casual support. The former India captain reportedly kept a close watch on every player, tracking their performances, statistics, and progress across the tournament.
“He knows the stats and numbers of each domestic player from Jharkhand. He is very interested in helping Jharkhand cricket grow,” Nadeem added.
Such attention to detail reflects the same analytical mindset that defined Dhoni’s legendary international career. His insights reportedly helped the team understand their strengths and address weaknesses at crucial stages of the competition.
Active role in restructuring Jharkhand cricket
Apart from the SMAT campaign, Dhoni has also been actively involved in the restructuring of Jharkhand cricket. From advising on coaching appointments to long-term planning, his vision has played a key role in building a stronger domestic setup for the state.
This renewed structure has already begun to show results, with Jharkhand emerging as a competitive force in Indian domestic cricket rather than just a participation side.
Dhoni’s enduring bond with Jharkhand
MS Dhoni last represented Jharkhand in 2015, when he scored a gritty 70 off 108 balls in a Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Delhi. Although Jharkhand lost that game by 99 runs, it marked one of the final domestic appearances of the iconic wicketkeeper-batter for his home state.
Dhoni retired from international cricket on August 15, 2020, but continues to remain active in the Indian Premier League, where his leadership and presence still command immense respect.
A legacy beyond trophies
Dhoni’s captaincy legacy is unmatched in world cricket. He remains the only captain to win all three major ICC white-ball trophies—the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy. His calm decision-making under pressure earned him the nickname ‘Captain Cool’ and eventually a place in the ICC Hall of Fame.
He was also India’s second-highest run-scorer in the 2007 T20 World Cup and delivered a match-winning performance in the 2011 World Cup final, where he was named Player of the Match.
Quiet influence, historic result
Jharkhand’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy victory stands as a testament not just to the players’ efforts, but also to the quiet influence of a legend who continues to give back to the game. MS Dhoni’s behind-the-scenes mentorship has once again proven that his impact on Indian cricket goes far beyond what happens in the middle.
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