Sanjay Manjrekar Defends Riyan Parag After Vaping Controversy

The Vaping Controversy: A Storm in a Teacup?

In the high-pressure environment of the IPL 2026, Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper Riyan Parag recently found himself in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. During a fixture against the Punjab Kings at Mullanpur Stadium—a game that his side eventually clinched—the 24-year-old was spotted vaping inside the team dressing room. The incident quickly went viral, leading to immediate intervention from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), who imposed a fine of 25% of his match fee along with a demerit point.

Sanjay Manjrekar Voices Support

As the debate raged on social media regarding the ethics and legalities of the act, former Indian cricketer and seasoned commentator Sanjay Manjrekar stepped in to offer a different perspective. Speaking to Sportstar, the 60-year-old expressed that while the act was a violation of the 2019 anti-smoking regulations, the public reaction against the player 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.”

A History of Players and Nerves

Manjrekar, a former Ranji Trophy-winning skipper for Mumbai, contextualized the event by looking back at the history of the sport. He noted that athletes have long sought ways to manage the immense psychological toll of the game. Recounting his own era, he pointed out that legendary figures like Kris Srikkanth and the late Shane Warne were known to enjoy smoking, often using it as a coping mechanism to handle the frustration of a sudden dismissal or to settle nerves.

“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. He added that the primary difference today is the level of scrutiny: “Even Warne did the same, but then the cameras weren’t as intrusive.”

Moving Forward for Rajasthan Royals

Manjrekar concluded his defense by suggesting that the focus should shift away from Parag, whom he believes was made a “soft target” due to his current stature in the game. He urged the cricketing fraternity to move on, suggesting there have been significantly more severe violations in the annals of cricket history.

As the dust settles on this controversy, the Rajasthan Royals must refocus their efforts on the pitch. The franchise, currently sitting on 12 points after ten games, faces a critical showdown against the Gujarat Titans this Saturday at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.

High Stakes in Jaipur

The upcoming match is pivotal for playoff aspirations. Both teams are locked in a tight race, and the result on Saturday will provide the winner with a significant edge in the race for the top four. The Royals will be looking to bounce back from their recent disappointment at home, where they allowed the Delhi Capitals to chase down a daunting 226-run target with ease. That defeat, powered by blistering fifties from KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka, marked the team’s second consecutive loss in Jaipur. For Riyan Parag, leading his team to a victory under these high-pressure conditions will be the best way to move past the recent off-field distractions.