Sanjay Manjrekar Defends Riyan Parag Amidst Vaping Controversy
The Vaping Incident That Rocked the IPL
In the high-pressure environment of the Indian Premier League (IPL), every move a player makes is under intense scrutiny. Recently, Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Riyan Parag found himself in the headlines for the wrong reasons. During an IPL 2026 clash against the Punjab Kings at the Mullanpur Stadium, the 24-year-old was caught on camera vaping inside the team dressing room. The incident triggered an immediate investigation by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), resulting in the young skipper receiving a 25% match fee fine and one demerit point for his actions.
Sanjay Manjrekar: A Voice of Reason
While the controversy spread like wildfire across social media platforms, drawing sharp criticism from fans and pundits alike, former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar has offered a different perspective. In a recent conversation with Sportstar, the 60-year-old voiced his support for Parag, arguing that the backlash has been disproportionate.
“When I saw the vaping 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 been unfairly singled out. “One has to move on from the incident. There have been worse incidents and violations that have taken place in the past. He was made a soft target, and one shouldn’t be too harsh on him because of his stature or who he is,” he added.
A Historical Perspective on Cricket and Smoking
To provide context, the former Mumbai Ranji Trophy-winning captain delved into the history of the sport, noting that athletes have long struggled with nerves and stress. He recalled iconic names like Kris Srikkanth and the late Shane Warne, who were known to enjoy smoking during their playing days.
“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.” His comments highlight how modern-day surveillance and the digital age have significantly altered the landscape for professional athletes, leaving them with little room for error or personal habits.
Looking Ahead: RR vs. Gujarat Titans
Despite the off-field distractions, Rajasthan Royals must quickly refocus their energy on the pitch. The franchise, currently sitting with 12 points after ten games, is preparing for a high-stakes encounter against the Gujarat Titans this Saturday at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.
The match is crucial for playoff aspirations, as both teams are locked in a tight battle in the middle of the points table. The Royals are looking to bounce back from a disappointing outing in their last home game, where they failed to defend a competitive total of 226. In that match, the Delhi Capitals chased down the target with clinical precision, largely thanks to impressive half-centuries from KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka. For Riyan Parag and his team, silencing the critics with a strong performance on the field is now the primary objective as the race for the playoffs intensifies.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Riyan Parag serves as a reminder of the immense pressure placed on modern cricketers. While disciplinary actions by the BCCI are a necessary part of maintaining the integrity and legal standards of the sport, the discourse surrounding the incident suggests a need for balance. As the IPL season reaches its business end, all eyes will be on whether the Rajasthan Royals skipper can channel his focus back into leading his side toward the title.
