Sam Billings’ Latest Comments on MS Dhoni’s ‘Hookah’ Obsession Has Fans Raising Eyebrows 

Apart from MS Dhoni’s hookah habit, Sam Billings also recalled a 2017 ODI where Virat Kohli shouted in his face following his dismissal.

Sam Billings’ Latest Comments on MS Dhoni’s ‘Hookah’ Obsession Has Fans Raising Eyebrows 

Sam Billings opened up about how MS Dhoni would often smoke hookah in his hotel room. (Image via NDTV Sports)

In Short
  • Sam Billings revealed MS Dhoni's fondness for hookah during their time at Chennai Super Kings.
  • Dhoni reportedly has a personal hookah setup and a staff member dedicated to it.
  • Fans reacted mixedly to the revelation, with some expressing concern for Dhoni's health.

England cricketer Sam Billings shared an interesting behind-the-scenes detail about MS Dhoni‘s routine while they were both with Chennai Super Kings. He confirmed a persistent rumor that the Indian icon is a great enthusiast of hookah and keeps a personal setup for it.

Sam Billings had a short yet memorable stint with CSK from 2018 to 2019, where he quickly became a fan favorite. The 34-year-old’s most impactful display during his first IPL season in Chennai came in a match against Kolkata Knight Riders, where he won POTM for scoring 56 runs off 23 balls, while helping his team chase down a daunting 203-run target.

The 2018 season was, in fact, memorable, as CSK secured its third IPL title after returning from a two-year suspension.

Reflecting on his time with the franchise on the Stick to Cricket podcast, the Englishman talked about the fascinating experience of sharing the same dressing room as MS Dhoni. He talked about a side of the former India captain that once made headlines, about his reported fondness for hookah (sheesha). Billings also named Dhoni as the best franchise cricketer in the world, while praising his leadership. 

Billings shared how impressed he was by the 44-year-old’s personality, and even described MS Dhoni as a ‘cool’ and a grounded individual despite his stardom. He disclosed that the veteran’s room remained open at all times. The English wicket-keeper batter then revealed the lighter side of Dhoni’s life, exclaiming that he avoided the hotel bar downstairs to prevent being surrounded by crowds, and that they frequently watched Manchester United’s football matches together.

In terms of just so incredibly calm, and he [MS Dhoni] is genuinely cool… You don’t meet many cool people nowadays, really. But he is just what a lovely guy, considering how much stardom he has.

Sam Billings said

Strikingly, Billings also revealed that the Indian cricketing icon would invite his teammates to smoke hookah and socialize. He exclaimed that the former CSK captain had a personal setup in his room, and even had a staff member, named Khaleel, who was part of his entourage, to look after it. Rumors of MS Dhoni smoking hookah had first surfaced in 2024 over a viral video, with former teammates like Michael Hussey, Irfan Pathan and George Bailey also confirming the same.

He [MS Dhoni] can’t go downstairs to the hotel bar, and he’d get, I’ve seen load of the lads to his room. He has a little sheesha man. He looks after the sheesha. His sole job in his entourage is to look after the sheesha. Khaleel, his sheesha man.

The news shared by Billings has surprised fans, as it appears to contradict MS Dhoni’s strict on-field discipline.

Sam Billings revealing MS Dhoni’s love for hookah leaves fans shocked 

England cricketer Sam Billings made a startling revelation about MS Dhoni, about his purported love for hookah, which has left many on the internet in splits. He even referred to an individual, part of Dhoni’s team, calling him the ‘little hookah man’ who looked after the setup. 

MS Dhoni fans
Fans were left debating over Sam Billings’ revelation about MS Dhoni’s fondness for hookah. (Image via IPL/X)

Fans took to social media to share their reactions, with many of them sharing that the 44-year-old should stop smoking ‘sheesha’ to keep himself healthy. A few others exclaimed that Irfan Pathan was in fact right when he opened up about Dhoni’s habits. Some others however, came to the legendary wicket-keeper batter’s defense, suggesting such podcasts are intended to defame Indian cricket. 

Some fans urged critics to not take an interest in Dhoni’s personal life, given the CSK icon only smokes in private. One fan even claimed that Dhoni smoking hookah is a matter of pride, given it is a cultural symbol in parts of India.

Nonetheless, in spite of the criticism, Billings did speak highly of the former Team India captain for his friendly nature towards younger teammates and other players. 

Despite reaching the latter stages of his illustrious cricketing journey, Dhoni is confirmed to be playing in the IPL, with CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan stating the former captain will represent the franchise in 2026 while still considering his long-term IPL plans with the team.

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