Irfan Pathan's Hookah Remark Sparks Fiery Exchange with MS Dhoni Amidst Controversy

NEW DELHI: Irfan Pathan has once again found himself at the centre of a storm after an old interview clip linked to MS Dhoni resurfaced online, sparking heated debate across social media. In that interview, the former India all-rounder hinted that Dhoni used to smoke hookah and allegedly favoured players who joined him. The claim has triggered widespread trolling and reignited conversations about Pathan’s abrupt exit from international cricket.Even when Pathan tried to stay away from the controversy, fans did not let him off the hook. On Wednesday, he posted a birthday wish for India pacer Mohammed Shami on social media.“Wishing the seam king @MdShami11 a very happy birthday. Looking forward to see your bowling for India again soon. Have a great one,” Pathan wrote.But instead of responding to the birthday greeting, one fan shifted the focus back to the controversy and asked: “Pathan bhai woh hookey ka kya hua???”Rather than ignoring the comment, Pathan chose to respond with humour and tagged Dhoni in his reply. “Mein or @msdhoni sath beth kar pienge ;)” Pathan wrote.Pathan’s career has long been the subject of debate. Despite taking a five-wicket haul in his last ODI, he was left out of the Indian team in 2012 and never returned. The selectors and management never publicly explained his exclusion, but Pathan has hinted on multiple occasions that Dhoni’s captaincy and team dynamics may have played a role.On the field, Pathan’s record speaks for itself. In 29 Tests, he scored 1,105 runs at an average of 31.57, including a century and six fifties, while also claiming 100 wickets at 32.26. His career-best 7/59 remains one of the finest spells by an Indian seamer, fondly remembered by fans.In ODIs, he played 120 matches, scoring 1,544 runs at 23.39 with five fifties. With the ball, he picked up 173 wickets at 29.72, including a best of 5/27.In T20Is, Pathan made key contributions with both bat and ball, taking 28 wickets in 24 matches at a strike rate of 16.5 and scoring 172 runs at a brisk strike rate of 119.44.