Blindly following Mahi isn’t the way to go, says Chanchal Bhattacharya, Dhoni’s first coach

There are a few things which differentiate Keshav Banerjee and Chanchal Bhattacharya. But then, there is also something that binds the duo – MS Dhoni.

The two senior coaches from Ranchi need to be credited to help Jharkhand produce its first international icon. Banerjee was the one to inspire Dhoni to take up cricket during his days at the Jawahar Vidya Mandir. Bhattacharya, on the other hand, honed his skills at the club and State level.

As the small town is hosting a Test for the very first time, the duo opined that the State’s real challenge has just begun.

“One M.S. Dhoni has helped Jharkhand find a place on the cricket map. It’s time we bring out more youngsters to keep the momentum going,” Banerjee told The Hindu.

The senior coach will not be able to attend Ranchi’s Test debut, because he is in Vellore with his sick wife. But, Bhattacharya will attend the Test on all the five days, said. “Now everyone wants to emulate Mahi. But we also must realise that blindly following Mahi won’t make things easy.”

Banerjee is still associated with Jawahar Vidya Mandir, and on a normal day he receives many requests from parents. “Only sending kids to me won’t help. The parents must realise that to make a cricketer, strict discipline is necessary,” he said.

Bhattacharya feels that the state still lacks adequate coaching facilities and cricket academies even though a few new ones were built recently.

The only big cricket facility in Ranchi is the JSCA International Stadium. But you cannot avail it unless you are a first division player.

“A lot of young cricketers are on the verge of making it big. But for most, it’s not possible to spend heavily. The State board should ensure that the game is spread to different corners,” Banerjee said.