Gujarat Titans pacer Kagiso Rabada is at the centre of a fresh wave of online debate after a video, allegedly showing him smoking, went viral across social media platforms. The South African speedster, who has been in solid form for GT in IPL 2026, was reportedly filmed at a location that has not been disclosed. While the clip has triggered discussion about conduct and professional standards in sport, its authenticity has not been independently verified.
Viral footage sparks questions around Rabada’s conduct
The viral video is being shared with the claim that Rabada was seen smoking. However, no official confirmation has been provided about where the footage was recorded or whether the person shown is indeed the Gujarat Titans bowler.
- The video is said to show Rabada in a smoking moment, but its authenticity cannot be confirmed.
- Debate has flared online about the ethics and professionalism of athletes following the clip’s circulation.
- The footage also appears to include other GT players as well as members of the support staff, though their exact identities are not independently established.
Reports place Rabada at the GT team hotel
Separate claims accompanying the viral clip have suggested Rabada was spotted smoking at the Gujarat Titans team hotel. In the same report, Rashid Khan and other GT players and staff were described as being present around Rabada, with the scene appearing to show Rashid trying to stop him.
Rabada’s past suspension adds context
The controversy comes with additional context from Rabada’s disciplinary history. The pacer served a one-month ban from cricket in 2025 after the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport imposed the sanction following a positive test for recreational drugs. As a result of that suspension, he had to leave the IPL 2025 midway through the season and only returned to the Gujarat Titans setup after completing the ban.
IPL 2026 form and GT’s next assignments after MI loss
On the field, Rabada has continued to be a key wicket-taker for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026. In six matches, he has taken 10 wickets with an average of 22.20, while conceding runs at an economy rate of 9.73.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans were dealt a major setback on Monday, suffering a 99-run defeat against Mumbai Indians at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Looking to recover from that loss, GT are scheduled to take on defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday, with the team seeking to improve their net run rate as well.
Shahrukh Khan on bouncing back after a heavy defeat
GT all-rounder Shahrukh Khan addressed the aftermath of the defeat, stressing that one poor performance should not define the team’s campaign. In his comments, he said that every side goes through a bad game during a long tournament, and that the squad has moved on from the negative result by focusing on the positives and preparing for what comes next.
He also clarified his batting responsibilities, noting that his role typically sits in the lower middle order. Khan added that as the match progresses, it is not simply about batting in fixed scenarios, and that each player must be prepared to come in, adjust to the situation, and execute their part of the team’s plan.
