Vaping Controversy: Riyan Parag is facing heat because of the recent vaping incident which took place in RR's clash against PBKS on April 26 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium. The RR skipper was seen smoking an e-cigarette inside the dressing room.
What actually happened?
Riyan Parag was caught vaping in the dressing room during their run chase against the Shreyas Iyer-led side. The camera panned to the RR dressing room during the 16th over of the run chase. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was standing beside him and gesturing to something happening on the field.
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The video clip sparked a controversy, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to fine Riyan Parag 25 percent of his match fee, along with one demerit point added to his name.
Ravichandran Ashwin reacts on the vaping controversy
Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has opened up on the controversy, saying that the punishment by BCCI is not good enough to set the right standards for the youngsters. The former CSK star also believes that the situation could have been avoided if Parag had taken correct measures.
On his official YouTube Channel, Ashwin opined that the whole situation could have been avoided as the matter is little sensitive. According to Ashwin, Riyan Parag can do whatever he wants to but it has to be done in his personal space, as he is an inspiration to many young players who are trying to make a mark in the sport.
"I think this is totally a situation that could have been avoided. I want players not to get trapped in such things. I don’t really want that for a young player, and this is a little sensitive, too. I think, on all quadrants, if we look at so many things, this could have been avoided," said Ashwin.
"Sometimes what happens is it’s a personal choice, but your personal choice should be in your personal space. If you do all this in public space, that can very well be avoided. All I would say is this: it's my small advice as an elder brother. I want to tell Riyan Parag that, whatever happens in your personal life, nobody has any concern about it. Nobody can say anything about that. But whatever you do, do it in your personal space, because you are a captain, you are a franchise leader. You are probably an inspiration for many cricketers, many youth, many young Indians, and young people around the world. So there is some responsibility too," Ashwin added.
Reacting on the punishment imposed on Parag by BCCI, Ashwin said that this is not making the right standards as no one will learn from it.
"It can’t be easy, man. In today’s world, I also sometimes read things and think, man, I mean, sometimes this happens. I’m not saying these things should be let go under the carpet, because if action isn’t taken, nobody will learn from it. But it is better to avoid these things," he concluded.
Rajasthan Royals' great campaign in IPL 2026
The Riyan Parag-led side is going through a great campaign in IPL 2026, standing at fourth place with 12 points in hand after playing nine matches in the tournament at a net run rate of +0.617.
RR will face Axar Patel's Delhi Capitals in their upcoming IPL 2026 match on Friday, May 1 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.