The cricket team of Jharkhand added a new chapter in the history of Indian cricket by winning the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT 2025) final, defeating Haryana. While Ishan Kishan, star Indian cricketer and the captain of the Jharkhand cricket team, remains at the centre of celebration, there are multiple unsung heroes who rewired the team. It was a collective effort of the team and also the office bearers.

Shahbaz Nadeem, joint secretary at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA), reveals how former India skipper and Jharkhand's own MS Dhoni helped the team to shape a look and a polished mind-set. In a recent interview, Nadeem reveals that Dhoni was hugely involved from the outside throughout the process. Nadeem said that Dhoni had been helping them since the team was in the form of a burgeon. The former captain left his impression even during the selection of coaches.

"When we started this season and were selecting the coaches, Dhoni was very much involved in the process. "His input was always important..." Nadeem said.

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"I remember Dhoni telling me that instead of looking for fancy, high-end coaches, our desi coaches should be preferred, because they understand the sentiments of our players, their feelings, and hence, communication will be better."

MS Dhoni helped Ishan Kishan's Jharkhand to win SMAT 2025 with his inputs

Dhoni was in touch with the players as well. whether it was the women’s team or men’s or age-group teams of Jharkhand. He also interacted with the players and with the teams personally to share priceless inputs.

"He was talking to all the players, in every format – whether it was the women’s team or men’s, Under-19 or senior, or U-23. He was involved in everything. And he gave his input. He also had individual sessions with a lot of players, along with the team. He has given at least a couple of hours for each team." Nadeem added.