Rajasthan Royals got an important win against Punjab Kings, but the focus quickly shifted away from the match. A video of captain Riyan Parag from the dressing room went viral soon after.
During the chase, cameras showed Riyan Parag appearing to use a vape inside the dugout area.
First, as a captain, this is not the kind of example expected. The dugout is a team space where players are focused on the game. Such actions do not send the right message, especially when you are leading the side.
Second, there are clear rules. Smoking is not allowed inside dressing rooms or stadium areas unless there are designated zones. Doing it during a live match makes it even more questionable.
Third, there is the legal side. E-cigarettes are banned in India under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019.
The law restricts their sale and use, and violations can lead to penalties. That makes the situation more than just a small mistake.
Overall, this is disappointing from Riyan Parag. At a time when the team was doing well on the field, this moment has taken attention away from the performance.
As of now, there is no official update on any action. It will depend on how the authorities respond.
This is also not the first off-field issue for Rajasthan Royals this season. Earlier, team manager Romi Bhinder was fined for a protocol breach during a match.
RR got the win, but this incident has clearly changed the conversation around it.
What’s happening in the ipl ?#PBKS#RR@IPL @BCCI
Riyan parag is using vape pic.twitter.com/xVXhb0LKZW— Vansh Goyal (@vanshgoyal0674) April 28, 2026
