Sanjay Manjrekar Defends Riyan Parag Amidst Vaping Controversy
The Vaping Controversy: A Closer Look at Riyan Parag
In the high-pressure environment of the IPL 2026, Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper Riyan Parag recently found himself at the center of a major controversy. During a match against the Punjab Kings at Mullanpur Stadium, the 24-year-old was captured on camera vaping inside the team dressing room. The incident triggered an immediate backlash across social media platforms, leading the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to take swift disciplinary action.
As a consequence of this breach, the BCCI handed Parag a fine amounting to 25% of his match fee, in addition to issuing him one demerit point. While the regulations regarding such behavior are clear—stemming from a 2019 law—the discourse surrounding the punishment has been deeply polarized.
Sanjay Manjrekar Comes to Parag’s Defense
Stepping into the fray, former Indian batter and veteran cricket analyst Sanjay Manjrekar has offered a perspective that challenges the severity of the reaction against the RR skipper. Speaking to Sportstar, Manjrekar openly advocated for the player, suggesting that the public vitriol directed at the 24-year-old was disproportionate.
“When I saw the incident, I felt it was close to smoking, but then what is the big deal?” Manjrekar remarked. “I know a law was passed in 2019, and what the player did was wrong. Action must be taken, but it shouldn’t be against the player, but against the person who supplied the e-cigarettes.”
Manjrekar emphasized that Parag has become a “soft target,” likely due to his high-profile status in the league. He urged the cricketing community to move on, noting that history is filled with far more severe violations that did not invite the same level of public condemnation.
A Historical Perspective on Cricket and Smoking
To contextualize his stance, the former Mumbai Ranji Trophy winning captain recalled a different era of cricket, where players’ habits were not under the constant surveillance of modern, high-definition technology. He highlighted legends like Kris Srikkanth and the late Shane Warne, who were known to smoke during their careers.
“In our days, Srikkanth loved to smoke, and it was done as a way to relax your nerves to negate the frustration after losing your wicket,” Manjrekar explained. “Even Warne did the same, but then the cameras weren’t as intrusive.” This reflection serves as a stark reminder of how the evolution of media coverage has changed the landscape for modern cricketers, leaving little room for personal errors or private moments.
Looking Ahead: Rajasthan Royals vs. Gujarat Titans
While the off-field chatter continues, Rajasthan Royals must quickly shift their focus back to the tournament. The team is preparing for a crucial clash against the Gujarat Titans this Saturday at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.
The stakes are remarkably high. Both Rajasthan and Gujarat currently sit with 12 points after ten games each, making this encounter a definitive battle for playoff positioning. For RR, the match is an opportunity for redemption following a disappointing home defeat. In their previous outing at Jaipur, the 2008 champions failed to defend a massive 226-run total, as Delhi Capitals’ openers KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka orchestrated a clinical seven-wicket chase.
As the business end of IPL 2026 approaches, the performance of the RR skipper will be under the microscope more than ever. Whether or not the vaping controversy affects his focus remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the pressure on Riyan Parag to perform and lead his team into the playoffs has never been greater.
