While Jharkhand’s historic Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title win was secured through the grit of the players on the field, its success was rooted in a quiet restructuring that began months prior. This transformation was guided by the strategic influence of MS Dhoni, a figure who, despite being retired from international cricket, remains the heartbeat of the state's sporting identity. According to JSCA joint secretary Shahbaz Nadeem, Dhoni was a primary consultant during the sweeping administrative and technical changes made ahead of the 2024-25 season.
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MS Dhoni, The silent force behind Jharkhand’s SMAT title triumph
The state has a storied history of producing high-caliber talent, a legacy currently carried forward by Ishan Kishan. The explosive wicketkeeper-batter was instrumental in Jharkhand’s title run, and his recent recall to the Indian T20 squad for the upcoming World Cup mirrors the legendary trajectory once set by Dhoni. As the state’s most iconic export, Dhoni continues to serve as a blueprint for success for the next generation of cricketers emerging from the region.
Shahbaz Nadeem clarified that Dhoni’s role in this transition was far from just symbolic. Having transitioned from a long playing career into administration, Nadeem revealed to ESPNcricinfo that Dhoni was a key sounding board for major decisions, including the appointment of men’s head coach Ratan Kumar. By seeking Dhoni’s advice on coaching staff and long-term planning, the JSCA ensured that the foundation of their championship-winning campaign was built on the insights of one of the game's greatest tactical minds.
"When we started the season, right from the appointment of the coaching staff, we have always taken his advice and suggestions. He followed the entire [SMAT] tournament, noted all the strengths and weaknesses of the players and discussed with us," Nadeem said.
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Ishan Kishan-led Jharkhand's dominant show in SMT
Jharkhand's meticulous preparation translated into a campaign of rare dominance, with the team winning 10 of their 11 matches to secure the title. They played a fearless brand of modern T20 cricket, spearheaded by captain Ishan Kishan. leading from the front, Kishan amassed 517 runs across 10 innings at a staggering strike rate of 197, effectively setting a high-octane tempo for the rest of the squad throughout the competition.
The championship run was further bolstered by strong performances across the roster. Young batter Kumar Kushagra emerged as a dependable finisher, providing stability in the closing overs, while Anukul Roy delivered a standout all-round performance. Roy’s contribution of 303 runs and 19 wickets earned him the Player of the Tournament award, highlighting the depth of talent within the Jharkhand side. The final against Haryana served as the ultimate testament to the team's confidence and preparation. Jharkhand posted a massive total of 262 and cruised to a comfortable victory, sparking statewide celebrations. The clinical nature of the win underlined just how complete their campaign had been from start to finish.
According to . Nadeem noted that Dhoni maintains an incredible depth of knowledge regarding the statistics and performance of every domestic player in Jharkhand. His genuine interest in the growth of local cricket ensures that his legendary tactical mind continues to benefit the state long after his international retirement.