Overview
- Speaking on the Stick to Cricket podcast on Mar 17, Sam Billings said Dhoni leaves his hotel door open and has a “little shisha man” named Khaleel whose sole job is to manage the setup.
- Ex-teammates have long described Dhoni’s suite as an informal lounge that eases hierarchies and helps younger players integrate.
- A 2024 video of Dhoni smoking shisha and recurring teammate anecdotes have kept the subject in the spotlight.
- Some reports link the named Khaleel to CSK pacer Khaleel Ahmed, but Billings did not provide a surname and independent confirmation is limited.
- Recent coverage cites medical experts warning that hookah sessions can deliver heavy smoke exposure for athletes, and neither Dhoni nor CSK has issued a response.