MS Dhoni’s Phone-Free Rule Inspires Teammates and Changes Cricket Mindset

Former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni’s disciplined approach to leadership, marked by a deliberate detachment from digital distractions, has been lauded by ex-teammate R Sai Kishore, shedding light on the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) icon’s unique mindset. Known for his aversion to smartphones and social media, Dhoni’s “no-phone rule” during matches—leaving his device in his hotel room—has become a hallmark of his focus, influencing younger players like Kishore. In a recent Provoke TV interview, the left-arm spinner, who was part of CSK’s squad in 2020 and 2021, credited Dhoni’s example for teaching him the value of staying unplugged in an era dominated by social media noise.

Dhoni, 44, has long been celebrated for his calm, process-driven leadership, guiding CSK to five IPL titles and India to the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup. His philosophy of sticking to fundamentals—control the controllables, refine processes, and execute with clarity—has shaped careers within the CSK ecosystem and beyond. Kishore, who joined CSK for ₹20 lakh but didn’t play a game, absorbed these lessons during his two seasons with the franchise before moving to Gujarat Titans in 2022 for ₹3 crore. “I learnt a lot from MS Dhoni. He would never pick up his phone... That’s how detached he would be,” Kishore said, reflecting on how Dhoni’s approach inspired him to question the necessity of constant digital engagement.

This detachment extends beyond the field, evident in Dhoni’s limited social media presence—his last X post was in January 2024—and his focus on real-world interactions. His methods, from strategic team selections to intuitive field placements, have fostered a culture of clarity and courage at CSK, where players like Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja have thrived under his mentorship. Kishore’s revelation aligns with anecdotes from other CSK alumni, like Suresh Raina, who have praised Dhoni’s ability to shield teams from external pressures, a trait that helped CSK rebound from a rare playoff miss in 2020 to win the IPL in 2021.

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Dhoni’s influence persists as he ventures into new arenas, recently launching 7Padel, a padel sports brand, with its first centre in Chennai’s Palavakkam. The sport, blending tennis and squash, is gaining traction in India, with over 50 courts established in 2025 alone. As the IPL 2026 season looms, Dhoni’s legacy—rooted in simplicity and discipline—continues to inspire, with Kishore’s comments underscoring how his “no-phone” ethos fosters mental resilience in a hyper-connected world. Amid India’s digital boom, where 900 million internet users fuel social media’s sway, Dhoni’s approach offers a timeless lesson in focus for athletes and beyond.

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