Bhubaneswar, July 11 -- Former India pacer Munaf Patel has backed MS Dhoni amid the fresh controversy surrounding alleged hookah sessions in the Indian dressing room, questioning why such claims are being discussed years after the incidents reportedly took place.

The 2011 World Cup-winning fast bowler said he does not understand why some former players are bringing up old dressing-room matters only after retirement. According to Munaf, if anyone had concerns about the team culture, they should have spoken about them during their playing days rather than raising the issue now.

Praising Dhoni's leadership, Munaf said the former India captain always trusted his bowlers and gave them complete freedom to execute their plans on the field. He ...