By A five-year-old clip featuring former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has gone viral, reigniting discussions over his abrupt exit from the national team and raising speculations about internal team dynamics during MS Dhoni’s captaincy. In the clip, Pathan recalled how he approached Dhoni in 2008 to clear the air after media reports questioned his bowling form. Dhoni reassured him that everything was “going as per plan,” urging him to focus on his game and preserve his self-respect. In response, Pathan made a pointed remark: “I don’t have a habit of setting up hookah in someone’s room… A cricketer’s job is to perform on the field.” NDTV Sports+1Indiatimes
The Witty Comeback: “Me and MS Dhoni will sit and smoke”
Amid renewed attention on the clip, a fan cheekily inquired on social media, “Pathan bhai, woh hookah ka kya hua?” (what happened to the hookah?). Pathan responded with a tongue-in-cheek twist: “Main aur @msdhoni saath baith kar piyenge ;)” (“Me and MS Dhoni will sit together and smoke”). NDTV SportsThe Times of IndiaRepublic World This witty retort served to lighten the mood, signalling his readiness to take the controversy in stride.
Accusations of Favoritism and “PR Lobby” Reaction
The resurfacing of this clip has also reignited charges of favoritism within the team. Pathan’s original remark implied that players who participated in such off-field camaraderie, like setting up hookahs, were perhaps favored—a claim many interpreted as a subtle critique of Dhoni’s leadership style. The Times of IndiaIndiatimes
In his recent public responses, Pathan went further, suggesting that the timing and context of the video’s re-emergence might be influenced by external forces. He alluded to a “PR lobby” or “fan war”, noting: “Half-decade-old video surfacing NOW with a twisted context to the Statement. Fan war? PR lobby?” NDTV SportsThe Times of India
Social Media Explodes with Memes and Reactions
As is typical with cricket-related controversies, social media quickly descended into a frenzy of memes, satire, and trolling. Some fans defended Dhoni, while others mocked the notion of “hookah-based favoritism.” � citeturn0news15turn0search8 This digital uproar reinforced just how potent and polarizing off-the-field anecdotes can be, particularly involving iconic figures like Dhoni.
The Broader Implications: Team Culture and Media Narratives
The episode touches on deeper issues: how team culture, player relationships, and media portrayal can influence public perception. Pathan’s remarks—and the revival of the clip—highlight concerns about internal club dynamics, implicit favoritism, and selective narratives. Some analysts point to the possibility that the resurfaced video serves more to generate online hype than to spark any meaningful discourse. The Times of IndiaVijay Karnataka
Pathan’s Balancing Act Between Candor and Humor
Ultimately, Pathan has struck a nuanced balance. His interview comments were candid, pointing to a desire for meritocracy and professional focus. Yet, his later responses—particularly the “sit and smoke together” quip—reflect a measured, self-aware humor. It’s as if he’s saying: the past is the past, and while interpretations may vary, he’s not here to stoke controversy for long.
