Sanjay Manjrekar Defends Riyan Parag Amid Vaping Controversy

A Storm in the Dressing Room

The IPL 2026 season has brought plenty of intensity, both on and off the field. Recently, Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag found himself at the center of a major controversy after being caught vaping inside the dressing room at the Mullanpur Stadium. The incident occurred during a high-stakes clash against the Punjab Kings—a match that his side ultimately went on to win. However, the victory was quickly overshadowed by the footage of the 24-year-old, leading the BCCI to issue a significant fine and a demerit point against the cricketer.

Sanjay Manjrekar: A Voice of Reason?

As social media erupted with criticism toward the young skipper, former Indian batter and respected commentator Sanjay Manjrekar stepped in to offer a different perspective. Speaking to Sportstar, the 60-year-old did not shy away from the facts but questioned the severity of the reaction directed at Parag.

“When I saw the vaping incident, I felt it was close to smoking, but then what is the big deal?” Manjrekar asked. He acknowledged that while a law regarding electronic cigarettes was passed in 2019 and the player’s actions were indeed a violation of protocols, the focus of the disciplinary action seemed misplaced. “Action must be taken, but it shouldn’t be against the player, but against the person who supplied the e-cigarettes,” he added.

The “Soft Target” Narrative

Manjrekar emphasized that Riyan Parag has been made a “soft target” by critics. He argued that there have been far more significant violations and incidents in the history of the sport that did not garner this level of public outcry. “One has to move on from the incident. He was made a soft target, and one shouldn’t be too harsh on him because of his stature or who he is,” Manjrekar noted, urging the public and the authorities to exercise more balance.

Reflecting on the Evolution of Cricket Culture

To provide context, Manjrekar reflected on the habits of legendary players from previous eras. He recalled how stars like Kris Srikkanth and the late, great Shane Warne were open about their smoking habits. According to Manjrekar, these players often used cigarettes as a means to settle nerves or deal with the frustration of losing their wicket.

The stark difference today, according to the former Ranji Trophy winner, is the level of scrutiny. “In our days, Srikkanth loved to smoke, and it was done as a way to relax your nerves… even Warne did the same, but then the cameras weren’t as intrusive.” This highlights a growing divide between the old-school culture of the game and the hyper-surveilled environment of modern T20 cricket.

Looking Ahead: A Crucial Matchup in Jaipur

While the off-field drama continues to be a talking point, the Rajasthan Royals must shift their focus back to the business end of the IPL 2026 season. The team is preparing for a pivotal clash against the Gujarat Titans this Saturday at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.

Both teams currently sit on 12 points after ten games, making this encounter a “four-pointer” in the context of playoff qualification. The Royals will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing result in their previous home game, where they failed to defend a massive total of 226 against the Delhi Capitals. In that match, fifties from KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka handed the Royals a seven-wicket loss.

As the race for the playoffs intensifies, the leadership of Riyan Parag will be tested once again. Whether or not the recent vaping controversy will serve as a distraction or a rallying cry for the Royals remains to be seen. One thing is certain: all eyes will be on the skipper when he walks out onto the field in Jaipur this weekend.