Cigarette Packet Spotted in MS Dhoni Car? Viral Video Sparks Debate

December 29, 2025 — A fresh social media storm has erupted around legendary Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni after a video from inside his vehicle went viral. The clip, reportedly filmed while the former captain was attending Bollywood superstar Salman Khan’s birthday celebrations, appears to show a packet of cigarettes resting on the dashboard or seat of his car.

While “Captain Cool” is widely revered for his elite fitness and disciplined lifestyle, this visual has ignited a heated debate among fans and critics alike.

The Viral Moment

The footage surfaced late Sunday night as Dhoni and his wife, Sakshi, were seen arriving at the high-profile birthday bash. Sharp-eyed netizens quickly took screenshots of what appeared to be a brand-name cigarette packet inside the car.

Within hours, the clip amassed millions of views across X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Fans of the 44-year-old icon were quick to defend him, while others expressed surprise, given Dhoni’s long-standing image as a fitness role model for millions of young athletes.

The Hookah Connection: Not the First Time

This isn’t the first time Dhoni’s off-field habits have faced scrutiny. In early 2024, a video of him smoking hookah at a private party also went viral. At the time, his former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) teammate George Bailey stepped in to provide context, stating that Dhoni occasionally enjoys smoking sheesha or hookah as a way to break the ice and bond with younger players in a relaxed setting.

“He likes smoking a bit of the sheesha or the hookah. He would often set that up in his room, and it was very much an open-door policy. It was a great way to break down barriers,” Bailey had remarked in a resurfaced interview.

Public Reaction: A Divided Internet

As with any news involving the “Thala,” public opinion is split:

• The Defenders: Many fans argue that even if the cigarettes belonged to him, he is a retired international athlete entitled to his private life. Others pointed out that the packet could belong to a friend, a staff member, or a guest travelling in the same vehicle.
• The Critics: Some argue that as a global brand ambassador and a Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army, Dhoni has a responsibility to maintain a certain public image, especially regarding health-sensitive habits.

Fact Check: Is It Really His?

It is important to note that there is no confirmation that the cigarettes belong to MS Dhoni. The video captures the interior of the car, but does not show the cricketer using the product. Dhoni himself has not yet commented on the viral clip, maintaining his trademark silence on personal controversies.

As Dhoni prepares for what many speculate could be his final stint in the upcoming IPL season, his fans seem more concerned with his fitness on the pitch than his habits off it. Whether this is a simple misunderstanding or a rare glimpse into the private life of India’s most private superstar, the “Dhoni mania” shows no signs of slowing down.