Irfan Pathan on MS Dhoni Hookah Controversy

The cricketing world was abuzz once again when an old controversy involving former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan and legendary captain MS Dhoni resurfaced on social media. What began as a lighthearted remark from years ago has spiralled into heated debates, fan wars, and even allegations of public relations agendas. Now, Irfan Pathan has addressed the matter directly, giving fans and critics much to reflect on.

The Hookah Controversy Resurfaces After Five Years

Recently, a half-decade-old clip from Pathan’s interview with SportsTak made its way back into the limelight. In that interaction, Pathan had hinted that Dhoni used to smoke hookah and supposedly preferred players who joined him in such sessions. The video went viral almost instantly, sparking social media storms, intense fan debates, and even questions about team selections during Dhoni’s tenure as captain.

Some sections of fans accused Dhoni of favouritism, suggesting that his leadership decisions were influenced by personal circles. Others defended Dhoni staunchly, slamming Irfan Pathan for allegedly tarnishing the former skipper’s image.

Pathan, however, wasn’t one to stay silent this time. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he posted:

“Half decade old video surfacing NOW with a twisted context to the statement. Fan war? PR lobby?”

His words hinted that the sudden reappearance of the old clip might have been driven by hidden motives, possibly linked to fan rivalries or orchestrated PR strategies.

Pathan Responds Sportingly to Fan Banter

Even in the middle of this storm, Pathan managed to keep his humour intact. When he posted a birthday message for teammate Mohammed Shami, a fan cheekily commented:

“Pathan bhai woh hookey ka kya hua???”

To everyone’s surprise, Pathan replied with wit and warmth:

“Mein or @msdhoni sath beth kar pienge ;).”

This lighthearted response showed that Pathan was more interested in moving past the controversy rather than fueling it further.

The 2008 CB Series Incident with Dhoni

The resurfaced video also brought back memories of the 2008 CB Series in Australia, when Pathan confronted Dhoni over media reports that claimed the captain was unhappy with his bowling. Recalling the conversation, Pathan said Dhoni assured him that everything was fine and “as per plans.”

Still, Pathan pointed out that a cricketer’s focus should always be on-field performance, not indulging in activities like setting up hookahs in someone’s room to gain favor. He remarked:

“I don't have a habit of setting up 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.”

A Strong Bond: Dhoni, Raina, Uthappa, and Pathan

While the hookah controversy painted a picture of possible friction, another resurfaced video highlighted the deep friendship Pathan once shared with Dhoni and others. In a conversation with Zee News, Pathan fondly recalled his bond with Suresh Raina, Robin Uthappa, and MS Dhoni:

“Robin Uthappa, Suresh Raina and Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Ye teen jo khiladi hote they, na to ye mere bina khana khate they, na to mai inke bina khana khata tha. Itni hamari zabarzast yaari thi jab hum saath mai khelte they.”

(Translation: These three players never ate without me, and I never ate without them. That’s how strong our friendship was when we played together.)

This statement, now viral, directly counters the narrative of hostility, showing the camaraderie that existed between the players during their playing days.

Irfan Pathan on Workload Management and Bumrah

Amid the hookah controversy, Pathan also made headlines for his comments on workload management, particularly concerning Jasprit Bumrah. Speaking during a discussion organized by Sony Sports Network ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup, Pathan drew comparisons with Australian skipper Pat Cummins.

He noted how Cummins manages his workload strategically to remain fit for crucial tournaments like the Ashes but questioned whether similar strategies are applied during high-pressure series:

“You would have heard recently that Pat Cummins will skip many games to manage his workload for the Ashes. But will Cummins manage his workload during the Ashes? My question is that only.”

Pathan emphasized that while workload management is crucial, star players like Bumrah must be available during important series in challenging conditions like those in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) countries. He, however, praised the BCCI and NCA for handling player workloads effectively in recent years.

Irfan Pathan’s Career: A Brief Reflection

To understand the gravity of this controversy, it’s important to remember Pathan’s illustrious yet injury-plagued career.

Tests: 29 matches, 1,105 runs at 31.57 (1 century, 6 fifties) and 100 wickets at 32.26, including 7 five-wicket hauls and 2 ten-wicket match hauls. His iconic 7/59 remains one of India’s finest seam-bowling spells.
ODIs: 120 matches, 1,544 runs at 23.39 and 173 wickets at 29.72 with best figures of 5/27.
T20Is: 24 matches, 172 runs at a strike rate of 119.44 and 28 wickets at an impressive strike rate of 16.5.

Pathan played a crucial role in India’s 2007 T20 World Cup triumph, where he was named Player of the Match in the final against Pakistan. However, his international career ended in 2012, and despite taking a five-wicket haul in his last ODI, he couldn’t cement a long-term place under Dhoni’s captaincy.

Dhoni’s Legacy: Beyond the Hookah Controversy

The resurfacing of the hookah remark has raised eyebrows, but experts and fans alike agree that MS Dhoni’s legacy cannot be defined by such trivial matters.

Yes, questions about favoritism have lingered. But history shows that Dhoni’s leadership brought India some of its greatest triumphs:

2007 T20 World Cup win in South Africa
2011 ICC World Cup victory on home soil
2013 ICC Champions Trophy triumph in England
Leading India to No.1 Test ranking in 2009

His calm demeanor, sharp cricketing brain, and ability to back players under pressure are what truly define him. As one commentator noted: “A puff of smoke doesn’t define MSD’s legacy. What Dhoni does in Dhoni time is his business.”

Final Thoughts: Fan Wars or PR Strategy?

The sudden resurfacing of Irfan Pathan’s five-year-old comments has undoubtedly stirred the cricketing pot. Was it a calculated PR move? Or just fan wars reignited by old clips? Pathan himself seems puzzled by the timing.

What’s certain, however, is that both Irfan Pathan and MS Dhoni hold significant places in Indian cricket’s history. While Pathan’s career was cut short by injuries and circumstances, Dhoni’s is celebrated as one of the greatest ever.

And as the dust settles, one thing is clear: a hookah controversy—whether real, exaggerated, or misunderstood—cannot diminish the towering legacy of Captain Cool, MS Dhoni.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies