MS Dhoni Hookah Row Takes New Turn: ‘Tendulkar, Sehwag, Gambhir, Sharma Never Did That…’ Munaf Patel Breaks Silence

The controversy surrounding former India captain MS Dhoni and the recent hookah claims has taken a fresh twist after 2011 World Cup-winning pacer Munaf Patel came out strongly in support of his former skipper.

The debate began after former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan claimed that MS Dhoni preferred players who would prepare a hookah for him during team gatherings. The remark quickly sparked widespread discussion among cricket fans, with many questioning the relevance of bringing up incidents that allegedly took place years ago.

Now, Munaf Patel has shared his side of the story, defending Dhoni’s leadership while dismissing the controversy as unnecessary.

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Speaking about his experience under MS Dhoni’s captaincy, Munaf described him as one of India’s finest leaders, saying the legendary wicketkeeper always trusted his bowlers and gave them complete freedom to execute their own plans before stepping in with alternative strategies if required.

According to Munaf, Dhoni’s calm approach and faith in his teammates were among the biggest reasons behind India’s success during that era. He also questioned why such allegations were being raised only after players had retired from international cricket.

“If someone truly had an issue, they should have spoken when it happened,” Munaf said, adding that making such claims years later serves little purpose except attracting attention.

The former fast bowler also praised Dhoni’s silence, saying the legendary captain has never publicly responded to criticism despite facing countless allegations over the years.

“His silence is his biggest answer. If Dhoni ever decided to speak, imagine what he could reveal. But he doesn’t, and that’s what makes him Dhoni,” Munaf remarked.

Addressing the hookah controversy directly, Munaf claimed that no player was ever forced to participate in such gatherings. He also revealed that several senior members of the Indian dressing room—including Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Ishant Sharma, and himself—never took part in those sessions.

In a pointed remark, Munaf questioned why anyone who allegedly objected to the practice would willingly participate in it at the time.

“If someone had self-respect, they could simply have refused. Nobody forced anyone. Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Ishant Sharma and I never did it,” he said.

Although Munaf did not mention Irfan Pathan by name, his comments appeared to be aimed at the former all-rounder, who recently brought the issue into the public spotlight.

The debate has once again divided cricket fans, with some supporting the decision to discuss dressing-room culture openly, while others believe revisiting such incidents years after retirement only creates unnecessary controversy around one of India’s most successful captains.

Despite the renewed discussion, MS Dhoni has maintained his trademark silence and has not responded to any of the claims—continuing a pattern that has defined his public life throughout his celebrated cricket career.