The debate around MS Dhoni’s selection choices during his captaincy days is refusing to die down. Over the years, several former Indian cricketers have accused the legendary skipper of favoritism, and now former India batter Manoj Tiwary has added his voice to the controversy. Tiwary claimed that MS Dhoni used to host hookah sessions, which, according to him, influenced which players got into the playing XI.
Manoj Tiwary Opens Up on MS Dhoni’s Hookah Sessions
This discussion originally started when former all-rounder Irfan Pathan made a bold remark, suggesting that only those who joined MS Dhoni in such sessions seemed to be preferred, while others, including himself, were sidelined. Since then, more and more names have joined in with similar allegations.
Irfan Pathan, who has always spoken candidly about his career, had earlier alleged that Dhoni favored those who were part of his inner circle. He even claimed that “those who used to make hookah for MS Dhoni were the only such players who used to get picked, while the others, including him, were neglected.”
MS Dhoni is still widely regarded as one of the greatest captains in cricket history, but these accusations have given fans a very different perspective to think about.
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“There Were Sessions Where Hookah Was Taken” – Manoj Tiwary
Manoj Tiwary, who represented India in 8 ODIs and 3 T20Is and even has an ODI century to his name, has backed Irfan Pathan’s claims.
“We have seen from close quarters. There were sessions where Hookah was taken, and players who were closer to the captain were present in the room. Players were very smart enough to make sure that some buttering was done to get help from the captain if required,” Tiwary told Inside Sport.
For Dhoni, these sessions might have simply been a way to bond with teammates. But for players who felt left out, it seems those gatherings told a different story.
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Tiwary further clarified that no one was ever forced to attend these sessions. “It was not compulsory for anyone to be there, and only the players who knew that the room is open for Hookah, those are the players who used to go. The players were smart enough to know that who was within close quarters with the captain at that point of time,” he explained.
“It was open for all…” – Manoj Tiwary
The former Bengal skipper also pointed out that there were no formal invitations involved. But the word eventually spread through conversations.
“Slowly, slowly, when the discussions come out of the room the following day, then only the others get to know. It was not restricted; it was open, but it was not something that was open for everyone; it was not as if cards were sent to everyone,” Manoj Tiwary said.
A Debate That Refuses to End
While some believe Dhoni’s off-field gatherings were harmless team-bonding sessions, others feel they played a role in career opportunities. With more former players continuing to speak up, this debate around Dhoni’s leadership style seems far from over.
