Did MS Dhoni talk about hookah smoking? Viral party clip with Pant sparks madness

A viral video showing Indian batsman Rishabh Pant and former captain MS Dhoni partying with friends has sent social media into a frenzy. Dhoni’s apparent reference to hookah smoking became the biggest talking point in the clip, with fans scrutinizing the brief exchange.

The footage appears to show Pant relaxing on a sofa with a group of people in what appears to be a hotel room. Dhoni is seen in the background and after returning from the photo shoot, he appears to shake Pant’s hand before saying, “jara hookah peeke aata hu”, which translates to “I’m going to smoke a hookah”.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:

However, IndiaToday.in is unable to independently verify the authenticity of the viral video or ascertain when and where it was uploaded. The clip also appears to show beer cans and cocktails on a table, adding to the impression of a private gathering.

Fans were quick to react to the clip, with the apparent hookah reference becoming a major topic of online discussion.

Dhoni’s apparent hookah reference also brought back memories of the comments earlier about his fondness for shisha. Former Australian captain George Bailey was one of the most prominent figures to speak about it, rreminiscent of Dhoni’s open door policy during his playing days.

“He likes to smoke some sheesha or hookah,” Bailey said. “So quite often he would set it up in his room and it was an open door policy. You’d go there and quite often you’d find a lot of younger players there.”

Former Chennai Super Kings star Michael Hussey also talked about Dhoni’s hotel room becoming an informal team loungewhere players would gather and socialize. The former Australian batsman recalled the relaxed environment around Dhoni and how the teammates could stop and spend time together.

CONNECTION OF PANT AND DHONI RANCHI

The viral clip follows Pant and Dhoni spent time together in Ranchi ahead of India’s Test series against Sri Lanka. Pant trained at the academy while preparing for the tour, with Dhoni also seen driving him home after practice.

The two were later spotted together during India’s third ODI against England at Lord’s. Dhoni has remained close to Pant ever since the younger batsman established himself as one of India’s leading wicket-takers.

SHAPED PANTS COMPLETE THE SRI LANKA RANGE

Pant ended India’s two-Test series against Sri Lanka with 168 runs in three innings at an average of 56. He scored two half-centuries, including 66 in the second innings of the Galle Test.

This innings made Pant the first Indian Test batsman to hit 100 sixes. In all, he now has 3,725 Test runs from 90 innings, including eight centuries and 21 half-centuries, with a highest score of 159 not out against Australia in Sydney.

Pant’s next red-ball assignment will come against New Zealand as India continue their quest for a place in the 2025-27 Test World Cup finals.

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Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

03 Sep 2026 07:11 IST