Former India cricketer Shahbaz Nadeem has revealed that when Jharkhand began preparing for the 2025-26 domestic season, the management asked former India captain MS Dhoni for advice on everything, even
on the appointment of the coach, with Jharkhand going on to win their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Nadeem revealed that Dhoni’s guidance was sought at every major step during the sweeping overhaul of Jharkhand cricket ahead of the 2024-25 season, a process that led to the state’s first-ever Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy win.
Jharkhand has punched above its weight in producing top-tier talent, a legacy carried forward by Ishan Kishan, whose explosive performances drove the title run. Recalled to India’s T20 team for next year’s World Cup, he now follows the path once blazed by Dhoni, the state’s greatest cricketing export.
Although he retired from international cricket in 2020, his ties with Jharkhand cricket have stayed strong. When the Jharkhand State Cricket Association underwent administrative changes last year, Dhoni served as a crucial sounding board as officials crafted a long-term vision for the state.
Nadeem, now an administrator after a long playing career, confirmed that Dhoni’s role went well beyond symbolic support. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, he revealed that Dhoni was consulted on coaching appointments and overall planning, including the selection of men’s coach Ratan Kumar.
“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.
“He (Dhoni) knows the stats and numbers of each domestic player from Jharkhand. He is very interested in helping Jharkhand cricket grow,” Nadeem added.
That careful guidance paid off in a campaign of brilliant dominance. Jharkhand won 10 of their 11 games on their way to the title, showing fearless, modern T20 cricket. Captain Ishan led from the front, amassing 517 runs in 10 innings at an astonishing strike rate of 197, setting the tone for the team throughout the tournament.
