A new story from inside the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) camp has added another chapter to the unmatched legacy of MS Dhoni. Former Australian cricketer Michael Hussey has revealed how MS Dhoni created a comfortable and friendly atmosphere during the IPL by keeping his hotel room open for CSK players at any time of the day.
Dhoni’s room has always been a special place where CSK players used to gather to relax, talk about cricket, share food and enjoy shisha together. The legendary wicketkeeper-batsman has always been much more than a captain for the five-time IPL champions.
Michael Hussey reveals how MS Dhoni turned his room into a hub of bonding
Even after leaving the captaincy on many occasions, MS Dhoni remained the biggest guide of the team. Youngsters and seniors alike have often talked about how Dhoni helped them grow as players.
And Hussey believes that their off-field bonding was a big reason behind the strong unity in the camp, and it ultimately made them one of the most successful franchises in the IPL.
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Hussey revealed that MS Dhoni’s room often turned into a hangout spot where players would sit comfortably, talk about the game or just relax.
The former CSK batsman and coach also shared that many enjoyed the delicious shisha, which Dhoni allowed as a way to help everyone connect and feel comfortable.
Some of them like ‘Sheesha’: Michael Hussey
Michael Hussey said on The Overlap Cricket: “MS Dhoni is the most amazing person; his room is available and open 24 hours. So, anyone can go there and just sit. He’s got his own lounge room; players just sit, and they start talking about cricket.
Some of them like ‘shisha’, as you know, flavored tobacco stuff. So, that’s their way of socializing and things like that. Credit to Dhoni, he opened his room, a lot of players went up, they brought food, it is fantastic.”
Even Australian cricketer George Bailey had earlier mentioned that Dhoni used hookah sessions to break the typical hierarchy seen in many cricket teams, making the youngsters feel included.
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Michael Hussey reveals MS Dhoni rarely practices wicketkeeping, focuses on power hitting
Another surprising thing Hussey revealed was about Dhoni’s training habits. Despite being one of the best wicketkeepers in the world, Dhoni rarely practiced with gloves during training. Instead, he spent a lot of time in the nets working on his batting and played thousands of balls to improve his power-hitting.
Hussey concluded by saying, “I have been a player for 8 years in Chennai and a coach for almost 8 years now. I think the only time I have seen him hold the ball was when we had to put on a new pair of gloves. I have never seen him practice his keeping, but he bats for long periods of time. He hits thousands of balls.”
Even now, the former Indian captain continues to impress with sharp reflexes and neat glovework, proving why he is still considered one of the best players behind the stumps. Well, Dhoni, who was recently retained by CSK as an uncapped player ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, is set to play his 19th consecutive season next year.
