MS Dhoni continues to inspire the students of DAV Jawahar Vidya Mandir in Ranchi

The former Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni has passed out from the DAV Jawahar Vidya Mandir in Ranchi long back but still inspires the students of his school. The school gave wings to his dreams of playing professional cricket and making his way to the Indian Cricket Team. On Saturday, the Indian team played the first of the three-match T20I series against Australia in Ranchi and won by 9 wickets despite rain interruption for the most part of the second innings.

Ram Roshan Sharan, a class 10th student, and his classmate Harsh Pradhan are among the aspiring cricketers from the school located at Ranchi’s Shyamali colony, made famous by the man, who captained India to two World Cup titles. Both of them spend 3 to 4 hours daily on the ground under the guidance of Keshav Ranjan Banerjee, the first coach of the celebrated cricketer.

I cannot produce another Dhoni

The responsibility of the coach Keshav Banerjee has increased a lot as every parent now want their child to become MS Dhoni. But he insists that he doesn’t have a magic wand and cannot produce another Mahi.

“Earlier I used to get players from higher classes only but now they are learning from class 6 onwards. I have a bigger pool of players to choose. Players like Dhoni are rare. I cannot produce another Dhoni. These kids are very talented but most of the parents now want their wards to be next Dhoni. I don’t have any magic wand. But kids work very hard taking inspiration from Dhoni and I am sure they will be successful and make me feel proud,” Banerjee told PTI Bhasha.

However, the kids continue to take inspiration from their idol and now are aiming to make it to the Indian team like Dhoni. “I met Mahi one and a half year ago at JSCA indoor stadium. He told me only one thing that ‘keep working hard and your dreams will be fulfilled’. It has become my guru mantra for life,” said Ram Roshan, who is a wicketkeeper-batsman. It was a glimpse of the World Cup Trophy when it came to their school and Dhoni’s performance in the final that made Harsh Pradhan, the 10th std student, start living his dream of playing for the country.

“The World Cup 2011 trophy came to our school and I felt pride when I saw that. I was in awe of Mahi’s performance in the final and I decided that I will also emulate him,” said Harsh. “Earlier the boys from small towns used to feel shy but post MSD’s success, they are not scared of any challenge. He was also from a humble background and small city but has written new definition of success. He taught us that there is no substitute of hard work,” said Kumar Shivam who is in 12th std and has already won several trophies.