Irfan Pathan Fires Shocking Comments on MS Dhoni's Leadership; Lights Up Hookah Controversy Again

Among the recent developments in Indian cricket, the MS Dhoni Hookah controversy has again come into focus after remarks from former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan. In an old interview with the renowned journalist Vikrant Gupta, Pathan spoke about his exit from the national team setup and addressed rumors linked with then captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Pathan was one of the best all rounders in the world during his playing days. It is to be noted that Irfan Pathan has previously questioned Dhoni's decision to drop him from the Indian squad. While the latter hasn't spoken about it, Pathan has indirectly blamed Dhoni for his exclusion from the Indian team. This time, the former India all-rounder has dragged MS Dhoni Hookah controversy into this matter.

Why is ‘MS Dhoni Hookah Controversy’ Trending Again?

While speaking during the video with Vikrant Gupta, Irfan Pathan said, “I don't have a habit of setting up a hookah in someone's room or talking about it. Sometimes if you don't speak about it, it's better.”

These comments have now resurfaced on social media and brought the MS Dhoni Hookah controversy back into the limelight. The discussion gained more attention after an old video of Dhoni also started circulating online. Fans have connected both incidents, and debates are growing around Pathan's allegations, Dhoni's leadership, and the reasons behind Pathan's disappearance from the national setup. With these remarks now in the spotlight, the MS Dhoni Hookah controversy has become one of the most talked-about issues in the social media currently.

Irfan Pathan Comments on MS Dhoni

The Irfan Pathan interview with Vikrant Gupta has triggered discussions about Dhoni’s leadership style. Pathan recalled moments from the 2008 series in Australia, where he struggled with form and went to Dhoni for advice. According to Pathan, Dhoni told him directly, “You didn’t bowl well.” Though blunt, Pathan said he accepted the feedback, but what caught attention was his remark about hookah, which some fans interpreted as a claim that Dhoni favoured players who set up hookah for him.

"Yes, I asked him. During the 2008 Australia series, Mahi bhai's statement came out in the media that Irfan wasn't bowling well. So I thought I had bowled well throughout the series, so I went and asked Mahi bhai about this. Sometimes, the statements are twisted in the media, so I also wanted to clarify. So Mahi bhai said, 'No, Irfan, there is nothing like this, everything's going as per plans.' When you get a reply like this, then you believe that, okay, you do what you can. Also, if you keep asking for explanations again and again after that, you hurt your self-respect," he said in the interview. "I don't have a habit of setting up a hookah in someone's room or talking about this. Everyone knows. Sometimes, if you don't speak about it, it's better. A cricketer's job is to perform on the field, and that is what I used to focus on," he added further in his conversation with Gupta.

The Irfan Pathan MS Dhoni relationship wasn't too bad when these two cricketers were playing. While Pathan did not mention any player's name, but this opened the door for speculation. After this interview resurfaced, an old video of Dhoni started trending online. Even though Dhoni has not responded, the circulation of these clips has kept the MS Dhoni Hookah Controversy alive.
The MS Dhoni Hookah controversy has also opened a debate about Dhoni’s leadership. Dhoni is regarded as the best T20 captain of India. Under his leadership, India won the T20 World Cup 2007, the ODI World Cup in 2011, and the Champions Trophy in 2013. His ability to back players and maintain composure made him popular. But at the same time, stories about favouritism and personal favours in the dressing room can create a negative environment against him.