A viral video showing Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant and former skipper MS Dhoni celebrating with friends has sparked a frenzy on social media. Donnie’s apparent reference to hookah smoking became the biggest talking point in the clip, with fans closely analyzing the short dialogue.
The footage appears to show Pant relaxing on a sofa with a group of people in what looks like a hotel room. Dhoni appears 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’ll go and smoke a shisha”.
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However, IndiaToday.in is unable to independently verify the authenticity of the viral video or determine when and where it was recorded. The clip also shows cans of beer and cocktails on a table, adding to the impression of a private gathering.
Fans were quick to react to the clip, with the obvious shisha reference becoming the main focus of discussion online.
Dhoni’s apparent shisha reference also brought back memories of the comments He has previously spoken about his passion for hookah. Former Australian national team captain George Bailey was one of the most prominent figures who spoke about the matter. pRecalling the open door policy that Dhoni followed during his playing days.
“He likes to smoke a little shisha or shisha,” Billy said. “So, he would often set that up in his room, and it was very much an open-door policy. You would walk in and often find a lot of young players in there.”
Former Chennai Super Kings star Michael Hussey also spoke about Dhoni’s hotel room turning into an unofficial lounge for the teamwhere players gather and socialize. The former Australian batsman remembers the relaxed atmosphere around Dhoni and how his teammates would come and spend time together.
Pant and Dhoni Ranchi connection
The viral clip comes next Pant and Dhoni spent time together in Ranchi ahead of India’s Test series against Sri Lanka. Pant trained at an academy during the build-up to the tour, and Dhoni was also seen driving him home after practice sessions.
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 wicketkeeper-batsman established himself as one of India’s leading spinners.
Pant ends Sri Lanka series in form
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.
That innings also saw Pant become the first Indian Test batsman to hit 100 sixes. Overall, he now has 3,725 Test scores from 90 innings, including eight centuries and 21 half-centuries, with a top score of 159 not out against Australia in Sydney.
Pant’s next red-ball assignment will come against New Zealand as India continue their bid for a place in the final of the 2025-27 World Test Championship.
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