Ravichandran Ashwin Weighs In on Riyan Parag Vaping Controversy
Contents
A Moment of Reckoning for Riyan Parag
The 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season has been filled with intense cricketing action, but a significant portion of the conversation has shifted toward off-field optics. Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper Riyan Parag recently found himself at the center of a major controversy after being caught on camera vaping during a live broadcast of a match between the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and the Rajasthan Royals.
The incident triggered an immediate response from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which fined the 24-year-old cricketer 25% of his match fee. While some fans and critics argued that the punishment was lenient, others debated the complexities of the legal landscape surrounding electronic cigarettes in India.
Ashwin’s Balanced Perspective
Ravichandran Ashwin, the legendary Indian off-spinner and a former teammate of Parag at Rajasthan Royals, addressed the issue on his popular YouTube channel, Ash ki baat. Approaching the subject with the wisdom of an elder statesman and the empathy of a former colleague, Ashwin did not shy away from the gravity of the situation.
“I have my deepest empathy and sympathy for the young kid, but at the same time, I totally believe all these things should and can be avoided,” Ashwin remarked. He emphasized that as a captain of an IPL franchise, Parag is now a public figure and a youth icon, which naturally subjects him to a higher standard of scrutiny.
Ashwin added, “It can’t be easy, man. In today’s world, I also sometimes read things and think, man, 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.”
Understanding the Legal and Disciplinary Context
The discourse surrounding the event has been complicated by the legal status of vaping in India. Under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019, vapes are technically not legal in the country. However, the internal constitution of the BCCI and the IPL committee currently lacks specific statutes governing this particular offense, leading to a reliance on general codes of conduct during the disciplinary process.
The Ashwin-Parag Connection
The relationship between the two players dates back to 2022, when Ashwin joined the Rajasthan Royals. Over three seasons, the veteran spinner acted as a mentor to Parag, sharing the dressing room and offering guidance. Both players share the commonality of being off-spinners, and despite the vast gap in experience and craft, Ashwin has frequently been a vocal supporter of Parag’s potential.
Parag’s rise within the RR organization has been a long-term project. Since joining the franchise in 2017, he has evolved from a raw prospect into a pivotal figure. While his IPL statistics in the early years were inconsistent, the last two seasons saw a resurgence, with Parag accumulating nearly 1000 runs, a performance that eventually earned him an Indian team call-up in 2024.
Leadership and Future Growth
Following the departure of Sanju Samson, Parag was entrusted with the captaincy, a role he has handled with surprising tactical sharpness even when his personal form with the bat has dipped. This transition highlights the immense pressure placed on young shoulders in the modern IPL environment.
As the 2026 season continues, the focus remains on whether Parag can reconcile his leadership ambitions with the demands of professionalism required at the highest level of sport. Ashwin’s advice serves as a timely reminder that while errors are part of the learning curve, the responsibilities of captaincy require a heightened level of awareness and conduct. Whether this incident will serve as a definitive turning point for the young star remains to be seen, but the mentorship of figures like Ashwin could prove invaluable in his journey forward.
