“He Likes Smoking Shisha”: Ex-CSK Player Reveals MS Dhoni’s Unique Team Bonding Culture
MS Dhoni’s influence on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has long been recognized as extending far beyond tactical leadership on the cricket field. Known as one of cricket’s calmest and most inspiring captains, Dhoni has always prioritized building trust, camaraderie, and comfort among his teammates. Now, former CSK batter Mike Hussey has offered fans a fascinating glimpse into how Dhoni’s leadership translated into off-field bonding, shedding light on the social dynamics that have helped CSK become one of the most successful franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
MS Dhoni’s Open-Door Policy at CSK
Speaking on The Overlap Cricket podcast, Hussey revealed that Dhoni’s room in the team hotel often served as an unofficial clubhouse for players. The former Australian international said:
“Dhoni is just the most amazing guy, his room is available open 24 hours a day. So, anyone can go up there, and just sit. He has got his lounge room, players just sit around, they start talking cricket, some of them like the ‘shisha’, you know the flavored tobacco stuff. So, that is their way of socializing and things like that. Credit to Dhoni, he opens his room up, lots of players go up, they bring food up, it is fantastic.”
This open-door policy allowed players to unwind after games, discuss strategies, and interact with senior members in a relaxed environment. It fostered informal mentorship opportunities while simultaneously strengthening interpersonal bonds within the team.
The Shisha Sessions: Relaxation and Camaraderie
According to Hussey, some players occasionally enjoyed shisha or flavored tobacco while socializing in Dhoni’s room. While this detail may raise eyebrows for some, the broader context is about relaxation and bonding.
Former CSK and Australia all-rounder George Bailey had earlier revealed that Dhoni would often host casual hookah sessions, specifically to help younger players feel comfortable in the squad. Bailey said in a Cricket Australia video from 2018:
“He likes smoking a bit of the shisha or the hookah. So, he quite often would set that up in his room, and it was very much open-door policy. You would go in and quite often find a lot of younger players there. For India or a lot of other cricket teams, it can be hierarchical, but he certainly broke that down.”
By providing a space where hierarchies were temporarily set aside, Dhoni allowed new entrants to feel included, reducing stress and helping them integrate seamlessly into the team culture.
Why Dhoni’s Approach Works
Several analysts and former players have suggested that Dhoni’s off-field bonding practices are a key reason behind CSK’s sustained success in the IPL. Unlike many franchises where a strict hierarchy can create pressure, Dhoni cultivated an environment where communication was open, and younger players felt safe to express themselves.
Hussey pointed out that these informal sessions often included strategic conversations, but also light-hearted banter, sharing meals, and simply relaxing together. This balance between work and play is widely credited with creating a team-first culture that extends into matches.
Dr. Ramesh Kumar, a sports psychologist who has worked with IPL teams, notes:
“MS Dhoni understands that mental well-being is as important as cricketing skills. By creating a relaxed environment, he allows players to decompress, which improves performance on the field. The shisha sessions, informal chats, and open-door policy all contribute to reducing anxiety and enhancing team cohesion.”
Breaking Hierarchies in Cricket Teams
One of the unique aspects of Dhoni’s leadership is his ability to flatten the team hierarchy, making everyone—from young domestic recruits to senior internationals—feel equal. In most cricketing setups, younger players often hesitate to approach senior stars due to fear of judgment or reprimand.
Hussey’s anecdotes underscore how Dhoni disrupted this traditional structure. By inviting players into his private space, sharing food, and allowing them to relax, Dhoni built trust and respect organically. This environment enables players to seek guidance freely and discuss cricketing tactics without fear.
George Bailey highlighted the same point, noting how the casual hookah sessions helped young players absorb knowledge from seniors in a stress-free setting. By breaking the mold of rigid team hierarchies, Dhoni strengthened the team’s unity, an intangible factor often credited with CSK’s remarkable consistency in the IPL.
A Look at CSK’s Team Culture
CSK’s off-field culture under Dhoni has always been about inclusion, support, and collective responsibility. Former teammates have repeatedly praised Dhoni for making everyone feel valued, regardless of age or experience.
Mike Hussey emphasized the accessibility of Dhoni’s room and how it became a space to connect socially and professionally.
George Bailey reiterated the importance of informal bonding, noting how it helped young players integrate and thrive in high-pressure environments.
Many players, including Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja, have spoken about Dhoni’s approachable demeanor, which allowed them to voice concerns, seek guidance, and maintain mental well-being.
This combination of strategic mentorship and casual socialization has been a defining characteristic of CSK under Dhoni, fostering an atmosphere where players can perform without fear, support one another, and handle the pressures of the IPL.
Dhoni’s Calm Leadership Beyond the Field
MS Dhoni is widely known for his cool-headedness on the cricket field, famously steering India to victory in high-pressure matches, including the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup, and multiple IPL triumphs. What Hussey and Bailey’s anecdotes reveal is that Dhoni’s calm and composed approach extends off the field as well.
By encouraging open communication and informal bonding, Dhoni ensures that the team’s mental strength matches its cricketing talent. His leadership emphasizes inclusion, trust, and emotional support, which directly translates to performance during matches.
Hussey’s insight into the shisha sessions, casual discussions, and food-sharing rituals underscores how Dhoni carefully blends team-building with relaxation, allowing players to recharge mentally while forging lasting connections.
The Broader Impact on IPL Teams
Dhoni’s approach has set a benchmark in the IPL for leadership and team culture. Many franchises now recognize the importance of off-field bonding and mental health. While traditional coaching often focuses purely on technical and tactical skills, Dhoni’s model integrates emotional intelligence, camaraderie, and player well-being, which are increasingly seen as critical components of sustained success in professional sports.
Conclusion
MS Dhoni’s influence at Chennai Super Kings goes far beyond his tactical genius and calm on-field captaincy. As former CSK players Mike Hussey and George Bailey reveal, his open-door policy, informal shisha sessions, and focus on team bonding have created a unique team environment that fosters trust, learning, and mental well-being.
By breaking down hierarchies and making younger players feel included, Dhoni has built a culture of mutual respect, guidance, and camaraderie, contributing significantly to CSK’s dominance in the IPL. These off-field practices not only help players relax and bond but also prepare them to handle the intense pressures of professional cricket.
For fans and aspiring cricketers, these anecdotes offer a rare glimpse into how MS Dhoni’s leadership philosophy blends skill, psychology, and social connection—proving that great captains win not just with strategy and talent, but with culture and care.
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