Sanjay Manjrekar Defends Riyan Parag Amidst IPL Vaping Controversy
A Storm in the Dressing Room
The 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season has been filled with high-octane action, but recently, the headlines shifted from boundary counts to a disciplinary controversy. Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag found himself at the center of a media storm after being caught vaping inside the dressing room at the Mullanpur Stadium. The incident, which occurred during a victory against the Punjab Kings, resulted in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issuing a significant fine to the 24-year-old.
Sanjay Manjrekar: A Voice of Reason
While the board and social media were quick to criticize the RR skipper, former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar has offered a different perspective. In a candid interview with Sportstar, the 60-year-old expert suggested that Parag was being treated as a ‘soft target.’ Manjrekar acknowledged that while a 2019 law prohibits such actions, the fixation on the player seems excessive.
“When I saw the incident, I felt it was close to smoking, but then what is the big deal?” Manjrekar questioned. “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—it should be against the person who supplied the e-cigarettes.” He further urged the cricketing community to move past the incident, noting that players of higher stature or different backgrounds might have faced less scrutiny.
The Evolution of Player Behavior and Scrutiny
Manjrekar, a former Ranji Trophy-winning captain, provided historical context to the conversation by recalling how smoking was viewed in past generations of cricket. He pointed to legends like Kris Srikkanth and the late Shane Warne, who were known to smoke as a way to manage nerves and frustration after falling in their innings.
“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,” he reflected. This highlights a critical change in the modern game: the ubiquity of high-definition cameras and the constant surveillance of players, even in what were once considered private spaces.
Disciplinary Fallout and Looking Ahead
The BCCI’s reaction to the breach was swift. Riyan Parag was hit with a fine amounting to 25% of his match fee and was awarded one demerit point. While the governing body remains firm on its stance regarding professional conduct, the incident has sparked a wider debate about privacy, the evolving nature of disciplinary rules, and the pressure on young captains.
As the dust settles on the controversy, the Rajasthan Royals must refocus their attention on the field. The stakes could not be higher as the Jaipur-based franchise prepares for a pivotal clash against the Gujarat Titans this Saturday at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. Both teams currently sit with 12 points after ten games, making this encounter essential for playoff qualification.
The Royals are coming off a difficult loss against the Delhi Capitals, where they failed to defend a competitive 226-run target. With KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka anchoring a successful chase for Delhi, the Royals’ bowling unit will need to regroup quickly. Regardless of the off-field distractions, Parag’s leadership will be tested as he aims to guide his side to victory and secure a favorable position in the points table. The cricketing world will undoubtedly be watching to see how the young captain responds under pressure, both in terms of his performance and his demeanor in the public eye.
