A rich heritage

Thomas Tea Stall is located on the outskirts of Kharagpur railway station. The tea stall looks ordinary in it’s appearance but is witness to a rich heritage.

An youth used to spend his time out here who is sure to possess little idea that he would be named as “Captain cool” in the days to come.

Yes, we are speaking about Mahendra Singh Dhoni who used to work here in Kharagpur railway station as a ticket collector. Apart from playing cricket for the Railways.

“MS used to spend his prime time in this tea stall with his colleagues,” recollects George, Nephew of Thomas. Both George and Thomas would prepare and serve tea to this youth very much unsure that he is destined to script history internationally.

MS led team India to clinch the T20 World Cup in 2007, four years later guided team India to a famous win in the 50 overs ODI World Cup and two years later clinched the Champions Trophy.

MS quit international cricket in 2020 totalling 17,266 runs across three formats. 16 international 100s and as wicketkeeper he had over 800 dismissals to his credit.

But for Thomas life wasn’t that fortunate. He suffered serious brain stroke and was kept on ventilator support for over six months. He survived but lost his voice.

This incident pained MS a lot. Although he personally couldn’t visit Thomas but he enquired about Thomas ‘s health on a routine basis through his friend Robin. Robin undertook the needed financial services.

At one point of time Railways took the decision to demolish the tea stall and when MS came to know it he spoke to the railway authorities and saved the stall from being gutted down.