An old video of Irfan Pathan making a humorous remark about Dhoni has resurfaced online and gone viral on social media. In the interview with ‘Sportstak’, Pathan recalled a conversation during the 2008 Australia series, addressing media reports about his bowling. Dhoni had assured him that everything was going as planned. However, Pathan’s next comment about not setting up a hookah in someone’s room caught everyone’s attention. It sparked widespread debate among cricket fans and enthusiasts about team dynamics and leadership during Dhoni’s captaincy.
Irfan Pathan’s Hookah Remark
Irfan Pathan said he focused on his on-field performance rather than team politics. “I don’t have a habit of setting up a hookah in someone’s room or discussing this. A cricketer’s job is to perform on the field, and that is what I focused on,” he added. The comment has resurfaced years after his 2012 exit from international cricket, despite notable performances, including a five-wicket haul. It has reignited debates over leadership, team management, and fairness in Indian cricket.
Ms dhoni used to select those players who set hukka for him, i denied and i got dropped – Irfan Pathan pic.twitter.com/tlbFPvYZNU
— Popa 🇮🇳 (@rafalekohli) September 1, 2025
Viral Video Sparks Debate
A recently surfaced video has renewed discussions about the relationship between Dhoni and Irfan Pathan. Analysts and fans are revisiting Pathan’s tenure with Team India between 2008 and 2012, questioning whether he was treated fairly and how team dynamics affected his performance. Although no official explanation was provided for his sudden departure, the video emphasizes the difficulties players encounter behind the scenes. The casual hookah remark has sparked wider debate about leadership and Indian cricket’s dressing room culture.
