MS Dhoni's pivotal behind-the-scenes role in Jharkhand's SMAT triumph revealed: ‘He knows the stats of every player’

Key Highlights

• MS Dhoni had a behind-the-scenes role in putting pieces in position for Jharkhand's SMAT victory.(PTI/) Having stepped away from the international game in 2019 but still a fixture of the IPL, Dhoni remains closely tied with cricket – particularly in Jharkhand, where a restructuring in the hierarchy of the Jharkhand State Cricket Association in 2024 led to the steps and measures being taken to produce this title.
• Key figures included former spinner Shahbaz Nadeem, who now serves as joint secretary for the JSCA, as well as men’s coach Ratan Kumar – but the latter might not have been appointed to lead this team if it weren’t for the influence of Dhoni himself.
• Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Nadeem revealed that Dhoni’s advice had been sought for the restructuring and for the future planning of cricket in the state.
• This eventually turned into heavy involvement, as Dhoni stayed in the loop about coaching appointments and even analysing the players that the team had at their disposal.
• "When we started the season, right from the appointment of the coaching staff, we have always taken his advice and suggestions,” said Nadeem.