Sanjay Manjrekar Defends Riyan Parag Amidst IPL Vaping Controversy

A Storm in the Dressing Room

The IPL 2026 season has been no stranger to high-stakes drama, but few incidents have sparked as much conversation as the recent controversy involving Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper Riyan Parag. The 24-year-old found himself at the center of a social media firestorm after he was caught vaping inside the dressing room at the Mullanpur Stadium. The incident, which occurred during a victory against the Punjab Kings, drew swift condemnation and a significant financial penalty from the BCCI.

Sanjay Manjrekar Defends the Young Skipper

While the cricketing world debated the ethics of the situation, former Indian batter and respected analyst Sanjay Manjrekar offered a different perspective. In a candid conversation with Sportstar, the 60-year-old argued that Parag had been made a ‘soft target.’ Manjrekar noted, ‘When I saw the incident, I felt it was close to smoking, but then what is the big deal? 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 the sport needs to move on, suggesting that the public reaction was disproportionate to the offense. ‘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.

Historical Context: Smoking in the Game

Providing context to the evolution of player discipline, the former Mumbai Ranji Trophy-winning skipper highlighted how the culture of the game has shifted. Recounting past experiences, he pointed to legends of the game, such as Kris Srikkanth and the late Shane Warne, who were known for their affinity for cigarettes. ‘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. Even Warne did the same, but then the cameras weren’t as intrusive,’ Manjrekar explained, highlighting that modern technology and social media now subject players to levels of scrutiny previously unheard of in the sport.

BCCI’s Disciplinary Action

Despite the support from veterans like Manjrekar, the BCCI maintained a strict stance. The governing body imposed a fine of 25% of Riyan Parag’s match fee and issued one demerit point for his behavior, signaling that such breaches of protocol inside the dressing room will not be tolerated under the current regulations.

Looking Ahead: The Gujarat Titans Clash

As the controversy settles, the Rajasthan Royals must refocus their efforts on a critical juncture of the IPL 2026 season. The team is preparing for a high-stakes encounter against the Gujarat Titans this Saturday at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.

The mathematical reality of the tournament makes this match essential for both sides. Each team has played ten games and currently sits on 12 points. The outcome of this fixture will provide a significant advantage in the race for the playoffs. Rajasthan will be eager to bounce back, especially after their recent defeat to the Delhi Capitals, where they failed to defend a formidable total of 226 runs. The loss, fueled by impressive half-centuries from KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka, served as a wake-up call for the RR bowling unit as they look to solidify their position in the top half of the table.

With the playoff race intensifying, all eyes will be on Riyan Parag and his squad to see if they can put the off-field distractions behind them and secure a vital victory on home soil.