New Delhi: In a startling disclosure that has stirred the cricketing fraternity, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has revealed a controversial aspect of MS Dhoni’s captaincy era, claiming that players who smoked hookah were favoured in team selections.
The revelation came during a candid interview, where Pathan reflected on his career and the dynamics within the Indian dressing room during Dhoni’s leadership.
Pathan, who was once a key figure in India’s pace attack, stated that despite his consistent performances, he was dropped from the national squad under circumstances that raised eyebrows. He alleged that certain players, known for their off-field indulgence in hookah sessions, were repeatedly selected, hinting at a culture of favouritism that overshadowed merit.
“I was performing well, yet I was sidelined. Some players who were regular in hookah gatherings were preferred in the team,” Pathan remarked, adding that this trend began around 2008 and continued through the early 2010s.
While Pathan refrained from naming individuals, his comments have reignited discussions on transparency and fairness in team selection. The former cricketer clarified that his intention was not to malign Dhoni personally but to highlight the need for a more performance-driven approach in Indian cricket.
The statement has drawn mixed reactions from fans and experts. Some have defended Dhoni’s leadership, citing his record as one of India’s most successful captains, while others have called for introspection into the selection processes of the past.
Pathan’s remarks come at a time when Indian cricket is undergoing a generational shift, with increasing emphasis on fitness, discipline and data-backed selection. His revelation serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between performance, personality and politics in elite sport.