Sam Billings makes a surprising revelation about MS Dhoni ahead of IPL 2026
Sam Billings, a former member of the Chennai Super Kings, praises MS Dhoni, saying that he is the greatest player he has ever played with in the tournament. Billings has played for CSK in 2018 & 2019. He recently emphasised MS Dhoni's extraordinary leadership abilities and his exceptional ability to remain composed under pressure.
Under MS Dhoni’s leadership, Chennai Super Kings won 5 IPL titles and became one of the most successful franchises in IPL history. Apart from 5 titles, CSK also has a unique record of playing the most 10 IPL finals in the tournament’s history. CSK has played the IPL finals in 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2023.
The English cricketer also shared an interesting off-field anecdote, revealing that Dhoni is an avid fan of Manchester United. Billings mentioned that the two often watched football matches together during their time in the IPL. He further added a quirky detail, stating that Dhoni even had a shisha setup in his room. As the IPL 2026 season approaches, Dhoni is set to represent CSK for the 17th time, continuing his long-standing association with the franchise.
Billings also revealed an intriguing off-field story, saying that Dhoni is a devoted Manchester United supporter. He mentioned that MS Dhoni, along with him, often watched football matches. During their IPL time. He also added a peculiar detail, saying that Dhoni even had a shisha setup in his room.
During their time in the IPL, Sam Billings said, the two would frequently watch football games together. He went on to add a peculiar detail, saying that Dhoni even had a shisha setup in his room.
"In terms of his captaincy, so incredibly calm. He is genuinely cool. There are not many cool people. You don't meet many cool people these days. He is a lovely guy, considering what stardom he has and being a superstar," Billings said on 'Stick to Cricket.'
"He is a Manchester United fan. We watched every United game because you can't leave the hotel and go downstairs to the hotel bar. He leaves his hotel room open. He has a little shisha man who looks after the shisha," he added.
IPL 2026 is set to begin on March 28. Dhoni will play for CSK for the 17th time as the IPL 2026 season draws near, carrying on his longstanding relationship with the team. CSK will start their campaign against the inaugural champions, the Rajasthan Royals, on March 30.
Apart from MS Dhoni, Billings also recalled some intense rivalry with another IPL legend, Virat Kohli. He revealed how Kohli went the extra mile just to give him a fiery send-off during a match.
“Played against him. He gave me a couple of send-offs. The passion he has. I remember I was walking off that way. Virat was at mid-wicket, I think, and he just did a massive loop just to scream at my face, and I was like, "Why are you wasting your time on me?" All the great players have got something special and an aura," said Billings.
Sam Billings's IPL stats
Sam Billings has played 5 IPL seasons in his cricket career. He played for Delhi Capitals (2016 & 2017), Chennai Super Kings (2018 & 2019), and Kolkata Knight Riders (2022). He has played 30 matches, scoring 503 runs in 27 innings, including 3 half-centuries. He played with an average of 19.34 and a strike rate of 129.63.
