Keonjhar Miners captain Subhranshu Senapati has credited former India captain MS Dhoni's legendary composure as a defining influence on his own leadership style, speaking after another victory in the Odisha T20 League. The young skipper reflected on his team's growing confidence, the support structure around its players, and the value of staying calm under pressure.

Bouncing Back After the Opening Loss

Keonjhar Miners began the tournament on a difficult note, dropping their first match on a high-stakes platform that combines seasoned professionals with emerging talent. Senapati acknowledged that the defeat brought immediate pressure, but said the side has since found its footing.

'Honestly, the environment in the team is really good right now. Initially, after we lost the first match, there was a bit of pressure because this is a huge platform and expectations are high. It was important for us to move forward in the tournament, so I am quite happy with how things are going. At the same time, as we progress, we will have to play better cricket,' he said.

Senior Players and Coaches Key to Team's Turnaround

Senapati attributed the recovery to a straightforward philosophy — self-belief backed by collective support. Senior players have been sharing their experiences with the younger members of the squad, while the coaching staff has remained actively encouraging throughout.

'The process was simple. We had to believe in ourselves and trust that we could do here what we have been doing so far, with the same confidence. The coaches have been very supportive, while the seniors are also sharing their experiences with the youngsters. There is a very good atmosphere in the team,' he said.

Weather interruptions and schedule changes also tested the squad's adaptability. Senapati, however, expressed confidence that the team's balance allows it to perform across varying formats and reduced-over scenarios. 'Whether it is 10 overs, five overs or 20 overs, if the team is good, we can perform in any situation or format,' he added.

The Dhoni Blueprint: Calm Captaincy and On-Field Planning

When asked about his noticeably composed demeanour on the field, Senapati pointed directly to his time observing MS Dhoni during his association with Chennai Super Kings. 'In the beginning, MS Dhoni's captaincy and calmness inspired me. I felt I should try to follow that approach. When you stay calm, you get more ideas,' he said.

Senapati also highlighted Dhoni's refusal to concede a match until the final ball. 'He has a lot of confidence in himself, whatever the situation the team is in. He does not give up on a match until the very end, and his on-field planning is very different. I believe in that approach, and he has helped me a lot,' he added.

League's Role in Developing Grassroots Cricket

Beyond the results on the field, Senapati underscored the broader significance of the Odisha T20 League for cricketers who have yet to break through at higher levels. With matches being broadcast to a wide audience, the tournament offers district-level players a rare window to demonstrate their abilities in a competitive environment.

'For youngsters playing at the district level who are not getting opportunities at a higher level, this is a good platform to showcase their talent. It is a very good tournament for them,' he said. He noted that the exposure is equally valuable for experienced players looking to test themselves in front of a larger audience.

With Keonjhar Miners now building momentum, all eyes will be on whether Senapati's Dhoni-inspired calm can carry the side deep into the tournament.