Since retiring from international cricket, Mahendra Singh Dhoni has largely stayed away from the limelight. For a couple of months each year, his cricketing brilliance is on display during the IPL, drawing fans from far and wide. During that time, devotees of the ‘Thala’ eagerly follow his every move, hoping for runs and victories from their beloved hero. But for the remaining ten months of the year, Dhoni hardly features in the news. What he does, and how he does it, remains largely unknown — by design. Occasionally, he gives a statement at an event, and that is it.
What is truly remarkable is that Dhoni, completely behind the scenes, has been mentally preparing the Jharkhand Under-19 cricket team. His guidance comes in the form of pep talks and “victory mantras,” but delivered with complete simplicity — without fanfare or theatrics, and in his characteristic calm, steady manner.
The Jharkhand Under-19 team will compete in the upcoming Coachbihar Trophy, beginning 16 November, with Saurashtra as their opening opponent. Sources from Jharkhand reveal that a few days ago, Dhoni held a session lasting just one minute and forty seconds, and the young cricketers were so surprised and awestruck that they could barely speak. They were essentially speechless in front of a two-time World Cup-winning captain!
Interestingly, it is said that seeing the silence of the players, Dhoni jokingly remarked that he would leave if no questions were asked — encouraging the players to speak freely if they had anything on their minds.
So, what exactly did Dhoni convey to the Jharkhand Under-19 squad? Reports suggest he gave them two key “mantras”:
Mental Strength Matters More than Skill: Simply working on skills is not enough. Cricket is primarily a game of the mind. The tougher the mental challenge, the higher the chance of success. Dhoni illustrated this using the example of junior-level wicketkeeper Arindam Ghosh, who was technically strong but struggled mentally. According to Dhoni, mental toughness is essential in cricket. Skills may range from average to excellent, but without mental resilience, progress is impossible.
Never Be Satisfied with Mediocrity: Scoring 30–40 runs and feeling content is insufficient. Players should not assume they have achieved something great with a small performance. A good start should always be converted into a significant contribution.
Officials from the Jharkhand Cricket Association remarked on Dhoni’s extraordinary humility, noting that despite his superstar status, he sat on the floor with the Under-19 players and conducted the session without even a chair or table. From a broader perspective, this is consistent with Dhoni’s approach — he has never truly operated according to conventional superstar norms.
In essence, Dhoni continues to shape young cricketers quietly, imparting lessons not just on cricket skills but on mental resilience and the mindset needed to succeed at the highest level.