Irfan Pathan Vs MS Dhoni: Old Army Gloves Row Resurfaces Online After Hookah Buzz | Cricket News

Last Updated:September 04, 2025, 18:29 IST

Irfan Pathan’s old claims about MS Dhoni’s hookah use and army gloves resurface, sparking fresh debate and fan reactions on social media.

MS Dhoni (L) and Irfan Pathan.

(PC: X)

Even as social media buzzes with an old claim made by former India cricketer Irfan Pathan regarding MS Dhoni’s hookah consumption, an old X post by the former, questioning Dhoni about wearing army gloves, has resurfaced, fueling the already raging fire.

An old Irfan interview has resurfaced, sparking fresh debate about his equation with Dhoni. In the video, the former claimed that Dhoni smoked hookah and favoured cricketers who joined him, a remark that has since fuelled intense trolling and fan debates on social media.

Further stoking the controversy, Irfan’s old post criticising Dhoni for wearing army gloves in a game has gone viral as well.

“We all know Lt Col. MS Dhoni’s love for the armed forces, but ICC rules are the same for all. One question: will it be fine if any opposition team sports their armed forces logo?” Irfan questioned in June 2019.

Irfan’s international career ended 13 years ago, despite a five-for in his final ODI. Over the formats, he made his mark, scoring 1105 runs and taking 100 wickets in 29 Tests, highlighted by his iconic 7/59 against Zimbabwe in 2005.

In the resurfaced interview, Irfan spoke about the limited chances he got, recalling the 2008 CB series when he questioned Dhoni over media reports claiming the skipper was unhappy with his bowling.

“Yes, I asked him. During the 2008 Australia series, Mahi bhai‘s statement came out in the media that Irfan wasn’t bowling well. I thought I had bowled well throughout the series, so I went and asked Mahi bhai about it,” Irfan said.

“Sometimes, statements get twisted in the media, so I wanted to clarify. Mahi bhai said, ‘No, Irfan, there is nothing like that. Everything’s going as per plan.’ When you get a reply like that, you believe it and do what you can,” Irfan added.

“I don’t have a habit of setting up a 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,” Irfan said.

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