Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is known not only for its on-field triumphs but also for the strong camaraderie within the team. Recently, former Australian cricketer Michael Hussey, who has had long association with CSK as player and coach, revealed some interesting insights into how the players socialized and bonded during the IPL, particularly in MS Dhoni's room.
According to Hussey, Dhoni maintained an "open-door policy" where players could visit his room at any time of day. This created a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere where both younger players and veterans could gather, chat about cricket, share food, and unwind. Hussey noted that Dhoni's room was like a lounge, fostering genuine camaraderie among teammates.
One of the interesting details Hussey shared was that some players enjoyed smoking "shisha," or flavored tobacco, in Dhoni's room. This revelation aligns with previous comments made by another former CSK player, George Bailey, who mentioned that Dhoni would often set up a hookah in his room, inviting teammates to join him. Bailey had said that Dhoni used these hookah sessions as an opportunity to break down the typical hierarchical structures often found in cricket teams, making younger players feel more comfortable and included. These informal gatherings allowed players to connect on a personal level, fostering better understanding and teamwork.
Dhoni's approach to team bonding has been praised for creating a united and supportive environment within CSK. By making himself accessible and encouraging players to relax and socialize together, Dhoni cultivated a culture where everyone felt valued and connected. This, in turn, translated to better performances on the field, as players were more likely to support each other and work together towards a common goal.
In addition to the bonding sessions, Hussey also revealed a surprising detail about Dhoni's training habits. Despite being renowned as one of the best wicketkeepers in the world, Dhoni rarely practiced his wicketkeeping skills during training. Instead, he dedicated a significant amount of time to batting, honing his power-hitting abilities. Hussey, who has been with CSK for eight years as a player and another eight as a coach, stated that he had only seen Dhoni catch a ball when they needed to break in a new pair of gloves.
MS Dhoni has been retained by the five-time IPL champions ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction.
