A five-year-old video of former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has resurfaced on social media, sparking a fresh round of memes and discussions around team dynamics during his playing days. In the clip, Pathan candidly reflected on his exclusion from the Indian cricket team, making it clear that he was never the kind of player to “curry favour” with team leaders to secure his place.

The timing of his omission coincided with the captaincy of the legendary MS Dhoni, and Pathan revealed that despite receiving reassurances from Dhoni that “everything was fine,” communication remained minimal. He also remarked that he never indulged in off-field bonding tactics, saying, “I didn’t have the habit of preparing hookah in someone’s room,” a subtle indication that he wasn’t interested in building friendships to influence selection.

Social media users were quick to speculate that Pathan’s comments were aimed directly at Dhoni, leading to a flood of memes and heated debates. However, as the clip gained traction, Pathan clarified his stance, alleging that his statements had been taken out of context.

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Former India opener Aakash Chopra has since weighed in on the controversy, defending the nuances of team selection. Speaking on CricketExchange, Chopra explained that every captain naturally gravitates toward players they trust in high-pressure situations.

“A captain’s primary role is to pick a side that can win matches. Of course, you’ll have preferences, but that’s normal,” Aakash Chopra said. “Often, players from the same domestic circuit or those the captain has seen perform under pressure will get more opportunities. That isn’t bias or favouritism—it’s familiarity.”

Chopra also dismissed the notion that social interactions or time spent with captains impact selection. “Who sits in whose room doesn’t decide team spots. Successful captains focus on winning, and selection is based on performance, not personal bonding,” he emphasized.

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The resurfaced video has reignited conversations around dressing room culture during Dhoni’s leadership era. While Pathan clarified his comments, the incident highlights the pressures players face when vying for a spot in India’s star-studded side. With voices like Chopra defending team selection processes, the debate serves as a reminder of how narrative shifts on social media can fuel speculation, even years later.