Former Chennai Super Kings player Sam Billings heaped high praise on legendary wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season, calling him the best player he has ever played with in the tournament. Billings, who represented CSK in the 2018 and 2019 seasons, highlighted Dhoni’s exceptional leadership skills and his unmatched ability to stay calm under pressure.
Under Dhoni’s leadership, CSK have emerged as one of the most successful franchises in IPL history, clinching five titles and consistently performing at the highest level. 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.
“In terms of his captaincy, so incredibly calm. He is genuinely cool. There’s 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 cant 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.
Billings also recalled an intense on-field moment involving former Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Virat Kohli. He revealed how Kohli went the extra mile just to give him a fiery send-off during a match. Billings, who has featured in 30 matches in the IPL across three franchises, has scored 503 runs.
“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.
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