Riyan Parag faced scrutiny after a video surfaced allegedly showing him vaping in the Rajasthan Royals dressing room during their IPL 2026 match against Punjab Kings in New Chandigarh. The incident, captured on camera during the 16th over of the second innings, sparked widespread attention and calls for action from concerned fans. This incident drew more focus as it occurred right after Parag’s dismissal, where he scored 29 runs off 16 balls.
The video quickly spread on social media, triggering discussions on potential disciplinary actions. While there is no explicit ban on vaping, the BCCI maintains strict regulations on player conduct within stadiums, prohibiting the use of tobacco or related products in dressing rooms. This violation could subject Parag to disciplinary measures under health and safety protocols.
Amidst this controversy, the 24-year-old, who took over as Rajasthan Royals’ captain in the 2026 season, has been struggling with his batting form, managing only 81 runs in seven innings prior to this match. This performance has attracted criticism from fans and former players alike. Despite these off-field distractions, Rajasthan Royals managed to successfully chase down 222 runs, defeating Punjab Kings with six wickets in hand and handing them their first loss of the season.
In a separate incident, Rajasthan Royals’ team manager Romi Bhinder was fined Rs 1 lakh and received an official warning for using a mobile phone in the dugout during the IPL 2026 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on April 10. The BCCI’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) issued a show-cause notice to Bhinder regarding the device usage, demanding a response within 48 hours.
