30 April,2026 09:50 AM IST | Mumbai | Subodh Mayure
The above screengrab shows RR skipper Riyan Parag vaping in the dressing room
Riyan Parag led RR to a final win over Punjab Kings by six wickets in Mullanpur on Tuesday. However, more than the win, a controversy surrounding skipper Parag became a talking point across the cricketing fraternity after cameras caught Parag, who scored 16-ball 29, vaping in the dressing room.
Renowned coach Chandrakant Pandit, who guided KKR to the IPL title in 2024, reckoned it's an âunfortunate incident' which could influence young Indian players.
Parag, 24, has represented India in one ODI and nine T20Is. He has scored 117 runs in nine games so far in IPL-19.
"It is unfortunate to see such an incident from an Indian player. It is also observed that many foreign international players have been using e-cigarettes in the dressing room, which is probably allowed for an individual. But I think this could influence the young Indian players," Pandit told mid-day on Wednesday.
Pandit, who has also guided Mumbai, Vidarbha and Madhya Pradesh to Ranji Trophy titles, wants the IPL Governing Council to look into the matter strictly.
"I think the IPL Governing Council should look into this matter to ensure it is not allowed in the dressing room. It is not only harmful for the player, but also sends a wrong message to other Indian players and the younger generation in the dressing room," he added.
