Rahane: Dhoni's open-door habit came with one strict rule

Ajinkya Rahane said on August 6, 2026, on the Overlap Cricket YouTube channel that former India captain MS Dhoni kept his hotel room open for teammates to relax but had one uncompromising rule: a closed door meant no entry.

Rahane described Dhoni's room as an informal gathering place during overseas assignments, where younger players could unwind and play video games on phones or consoles. Speaking on the channel, Rahane said, “He is (Dhoni) very calm and cool and just a very normal human being like everyone. His room was almost always open for anyone to do anything. So many times, 10 to 15 of them or even the whole team were in his room," said Rahane.

On the same programme Rahane underlined the single limitation to that openness, saying, “But when his door was shut, no one was allowed," Rahane said. The pair have been teammates both for India and in the IPL, representing Rising Pune Supergiant and Chennai Super Kings together.

Rahane also credited Dhoni with renewing his fortunes during their time at Chennai, saying Dhoni gave him a new lease of life in 2023. Rahane played a crucial role that season as Chennai won their 5th IPL title.

Dhoni did not play in the IPL 2026 campaign after suffering a leg injury that forced him to miss the entire season; he did not take the field even once during that edition. His absence from matches left his immediate playing status unresolved.

Dhoni was recently seen enjoying a ride on a superbike at the Madras International Circuit in Irungattukottai, near Chennai, and there remains no official confirmation on whether he plans to return for another IPL edition.