A video featuring MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant has gone viral on social media after the two wicketkeeper-batters were seen together at a private gathering.
The clip has attracted plenty of attention, with one particular moment involving Dhoni becoming the talking point online. As the group was wrapping up a picture, Dhoni was heard saying that he was going to another room to smoke hookah.
Dhoni, Pant spotted together as ‘Hookah’ comment goes viral
The video surfaced after India’s recent tour of Sri Lanka, where the team won the two-match Test series 1-0. Pant played both Tests despite carrying a minor injury.
Dhoni, meanwhile, has not featured in competitive cricket for some time. He missed the entire 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season as he continued his recovery from a muscle problem.
In the viral video, Dhoni and Pant can be seen posing with a group of friends in a casual setting. Music is playing in the background, and tables with drinks and cocktail glasses can also be seen.
As the picture comes to an end, Pant appears to gesture towards Dhoni. The former India captain then walks towards a nearby room and is heard saying, “Hookah pee ke aa raha hoon”.
The exact date and location of the gathering are not known. The Daily Jagran also cannot independently confirm the exact conversation in the clip, including who made the comment and who it was directed towards.
Watch the video here:
Dhoni never beating the allegations 😭
— ONE7 (@17pixles) September 2, 2026
When Pant said, “Mahi bhai, edhar aao.”
Dhoni: “Rukk… Hukka peeke aata hu.” 💨
- Dhoni & Pant chilling with their friends in London. 🫣 pic.twitter.com/myPw4bjQF9
Dhoni’s comment has also brought back old stories about his reported liking for shisha. Former Australia captain George Bailey had previously spoken about the relaxed atmosphere around Dhoni during his time as India captain and his open-door approach towards teammates.
Dhoni and Pant have shared a close relationship for several years. Ahead of India’s Sri Lanka tour, Pant trained in Ranchi, where Dhoni was seen dropping him off after a practice session.
The two were also spotted together at Lord’s during India’s third ODI against England. Their frequent appearances together have highlighted the bond between the two wicketkeeper-batters.
Rishabh Pant's last cricketing outing
Pant also had a productive Test series in Sri Lanka. He scored 168 runs in three innings at an average of 56, including two half-centuries. His best score was 66 in the second Test at Galle.
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That innings also saw Pant achieve a major milestone. He became the first Indian batter to hit 100 sixes in Test cricket.
Pant has now scored 3,725 runs in 90 Test innings, with eight centuries and 21 fifties to his name. His Test career also includes his unbeaten 159 against Australia in Sydney.
His next red-ball assignment will come against New Zealand, with India looking to strengthen its position in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle.