On Tuesday evening, IPL 2026 match number 40 took place between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Punjab Kings in the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. Following the match, RR skipper Riyan Parag, 24, hit the headlines following his appearance smoking an e-cigarette in the dressing room. Video footage of the same is going viral on social media, with fans clamoring for punitive measures against him.

Riyan Parag, the captain of RR, was caught smoking an e-cigarette while the team was batting in the 16th over. A broadcast camera picked up the player blowing smoke through the device. He can be seen puffing and exhaling smoke. The footage quickly went viral, with many fans expressing concern and demanding action. This moment gained even more attention because it occurred just after Parag was dismissed. He had scored 29 runs from 16 balls but failed to continue his innings at a crucial moment in the chase.

The viral video has raised questions about potential disciplinary measures. While there are no clear public rules against e-cigarette use in the IPL, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has strict guidelines for player behavior within stadiums. The use of tobacco or related products in the dressing room or dugout is generally prohibited under health and safety protocols, putting Riyan Parag at risk of action.

This controversy comes at a time when the young player is already facing challenges. He is leading the Rajasthan Royals in the 2026 season after Sanju Samson moved to the Chennai Super Kings. Parag has struggled to maintain consistency in his batting. Prior to this match, he had scored only 81 runs in seven innings, leading to criticism from fans and former players.

It should be noted that Rajasthan Royals team manager Romi Bhinder was fined ₹1 lakh and issued an official warning for using a mobile phone inside the dugout during the IPL 2026 match against the Royal Challengers Bangalore at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on April 10.