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

A video appearing to show MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant at a gathering has gone viral after Dhoni was heard apparently mentioning hookah. The unverified clip has fuelled online chatter while renewing attention on the long-standing bond between the two wicketkeepers.Viral video appears to show MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant partying. (Photo: X)A viral video appearing to show India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant and former captain MS Dhoni partying with friends has sparked a frenzy on social media. Dhoni's apparent reference to smoking hookah has become the biggest talking point from the clip, with fans closely analysing the brief exchange.The footage appears to show Pant relaxing on a sofa with a group of people in what looks like a hotel room. Dhoni is seen in the background and, after returning from taking a picture, appears to shake Pant's hand before saying, "jara hookah peeke aata hu", which translates to "I'll go and smoke hookah".WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:However, IndiaToday.in is not able to independently verify the authenticity of the viral video or establish when and where it was recorded. 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 the main focus of the discussion online. Dhoni's apparent hookah reference has also brought back memories of comments previously made about his fondness for shisha. Former Australia captain George Bailey was one of the most prominent figures to speak about it, recalling Dhoni's open-door policy during his playing days."He likes smoking a bit of the sheesha or the hookah," Bailey had said. "So, he quite often would set that up in his room, and it was very much open door policy. You would go in and quite often find a lot of younger players there."Former Chennai Super Kings star Michael Hussey has also spoken about Dhoni's hotel room becoming an informal team lounge, where players would gather and socialise. The former Australia batter recalled the relaxed environment around Dhoni and how teammates could drop in and spend time together.PANT AND DHONI'S RANCHI CONNECTIONThe viral clip comes after Pant and Dhoni spent time together in Ranchi before India's Test series against Sri Lanka. Pant trained at an academy while preparing for the tour, with Dhoni 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 since the younger wicketkeeper-batter established himself as one of India's leading players.PANT FINISHES SRI LANKA SERIES IN FORMPant 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 batter to hit 100 sixes. Overall, 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 push for a place in the 2025-27 World Test Championship final.- EndsPublished By: Debodinna ChakrabortyPublished On: Sep 3, 2026 07:11 IST