The hookah controversy surrounding MS Dhoni continues to make headlines, with former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan’s remarks reigniting debates over his abrupt exit from international cricket. In a recent interview, Pathan reflected on his career, revealing his conversations with Dhoni and making a pointed remark that sparked social media speculation.

While initially discussing his role in the team, Irfan Pathan made a striking comment: “I don’t have a habit of setting up a hookah in someone’s room or talking unnecessarily. Everyone knows. Sometimes it’s better not to speak. A cricketer’s job is to perform on the field, and that’s what I focused on.”

This statement quickly went viral, with fans interpreting it as a veiled reference to Dhoni’s leadership style. Pathan, who last played international cricket in 2012, was dropped despite taking a five-wicket haul in his final ODI appearance. Many fans have long questioned his sudden exclusion from the Indian setup.

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The controversy escalated further when Yuvraj Singh’s father, Yograj Singh, added his voice to the debate. Yograj accused Dhoni of mishandling several senior players, stating that Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, and Harbhajan Singh had also expressed dissatisfaction with their treatment under Dhoni’s captaincy.

“It is not only about Irfan Pathan. You see Gautam Gambhir speaking about it. Virender Sehwag openly said it as well. Harbhajan Singh spoke about being removed like a fly. There should be a jury to question these decisions. Dhoni doesn’t want to answer, and one who avoids answers has a guilty conscience,” Yograj Singh told InsideSport.

He didn’t stop there, criticising MS Dhoni alongside legends Kapil Dev and Bishan Singh Bedi, claiming poor treatment of players was a recurring issue.

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“I can talk about people I’ve been with—Bedi, Kapil, Dhoni—they treated players like trash. What’s wrong is wrong. Two wrongs don’t make a right. Our cricketers and team were destroyed by our captain,” he added.

The ongoing debate has once again placed Dhoni’s leadership style under scrutiny, highlighting how his era, despite its monumental success, remains polarizing for some former teammates and cricket veterans.