MS Dhoni's influence extends far beyond the cricket field, with his strategic mind playing a crucial role in Jharkhand's historic Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy victory. While the team, led by Ishan Kishan, celebrated their maiden title after defeating Haryana by 69 runs in the final at the MCA Stadium in Pune, the blueprint for this triumph was crafted months in advance, with Dhoni's inputs being invaluable.
Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) joint secretary Shahbaz Nadeem revealed the extent of Dhoni's involvement, highlighting his role as an unofficial mentor and chief strategist. According to Nadeem, Dhoni was deeply invested in the team's progress, keenly following every match and making note of the strengths and weaknesses of each player. He meticulously tracked their statistics and performance, providing crucial insights to the team management.
Dhoni's influence was particularly evident in the administrative decisions taken before the season commenced. Nadeem disclosed that Dhoni's advice and suggestions were sought for the appointment of the coaching staff, including head coach Ratan Kumar and bowling coach Sunny Gupta. This strategic guidance ensured that the team had the right support system in place to maximize their potential.
"When we started the season, right from the appointment of the coaching staff, we have always taken his [Dhoni's] advice and suggestions," Nadeem said. He further added, "He followed the entire [SMAT] tournament, noted all the strengths and weaknesses of the players and discussed with us". Dhoni's commitment to nurturing Jharkhand cricket is well-known, and he has consistently demonstrated a keen interest in the growth and development of the state's cricketing talent.
Jharkhand's journey to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title was nothing short of spectacular. The team topped Elite Group D with 28 points, winning all seven of their matches. In the final against Haryana, Jharkhand showcased their batting prowess, amassing a staggering 262 for 3, the highest-ever total in a T20 tournament final. Ishan Kishan led from the front, smashing a blistering century off just 48 balls, while Kumar Kushagra contributed a brilliant 81 off 38 deliveries. The bowlers then sealed the victory by restricting Haryana to 193.
Ishan Kishan finished the tournament as the highest run-scorer, with 517 runs at an average of 57.44 and a strike rate of over 197. His outstanding performance earned him a recall to the Indian T20 squad for the upcoming World Cup, mirroring the trajectory of Dhoni, who remains an inspiration for cricketers from the region.
Jharkhand's Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy victory is a testament to the team's talent and hard work, as well as the strategic guidance provided by MS Dhoni. His behind-the-scenes role in shaping the team and providing invaluable insights has played a significant part in this historic triumph. This win marks Jharkhand's first major domestic limited-overs title since the Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2010-11, further solidifying Dhoni's legacy as a guiding force in Jharkhand cricket.
