Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag has found himself at the centre of a fresh off-field talking point after footage circulated showing him vaping inside the dressing room during an IPL clash against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur. The incident has triggered disciplinary action, while former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has also weighed in—questioning both the lack of privacy in today’s media climate and the Royals’ decision-making around Parag’s captaincy.
Vaping incident: sanctions and legal context
Parag was fined an amount equal to 25% of his match fee following the incident. He was also handed one demerit point for breaching Level 1 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials.
On the broader legal backdrop, the Indian government had prohibited e-cigarettes in 2019, banning their production, sale, and distribution. Under the relevant law, a first-time offender can face imprisonment of up to one year and/or a penalty that can go up to Rs one lakh.
Manjrekar on privacy, surveillance and the need to move on
Manjrekar said the heightened scrutiny players face today reflects that stars no longer enjoy meaningful privacy. He drew comparisons with earlier eras and argued that modern camera coverage can capture even moments that would traditionally remain out of view.
He also suggested that the focus should shift quickly away from the incident, while authorities examine the supply chain.
- Manjrekar said that in his playing days, there were players such as Krishnamachari Srikkanth who smoked to unwind after getting out or feeling frustrated, and he noted Shane Warne did something similar too.
- He argued that the level of camera intrusion today is far greater, claiming that even a figure as identifiable as Mahendra Singh Dhoni could be caught on camera in a private-looking setting and shown publicly.
- He stated there is “virtually no privacy” for major figures now, given the scale and reach of coverage.
- On how to respond, Manjrekar said the right step has been taken and that the matter should be dealt with promptly.
- He added that after Parag, investigators should identify the supplier and take action against the person responsible.
- Manjrekar also commented on stump microphones, saying that what used to be a protected space near the wickets is no longer the same in the changed media environment.
- He emphasized that the scrutiny around such matters is “actually against Indian law,” framing the incident within the country’s legal framework.
Captaincy debate: why Manjrekar questioned RR’s choice
Parag was appointed Rajasthan Royals captain after Sanju Samson’s departure, and the early results under him have been encouraging. In IPL 2026, RR have recorded six wins from their first 10 matches and are squarely in the playoffs chase.
However, despite that start, Manjrekar said he was perplexed by the Royals choosing Parag as skipper and felt the decision did not add up from a pure cricketing perspective.
- Manjrekar said he does not believe the captaincy decision makes “any sense at all” from a cricket standpoint.
- He suggested it may be “a bit harsh” to say this, but argued Parag has received too much reward without sufficiently working hard for those opportunities.
- He added that, based on the performances he has seen over the years, he finds it strange that Rajasthan Royals have backed him so strongly with the captaincy role.
Parag’s performances: flashes of brilliance and recent numbers
Manjrekar pointed to a mixed trajectory for Parag in the early 2020s, while also acknowledging that the batter later looked closer to his potential. He said Parag’s breakthrough arrived in IPL 2024, when Parag struck 573 runs in 14 innings.
He further noted that in IPL 2025 and IPL 2026, Parag has shown glimpses of exceptional ability but has not managed to sustain a consistent run of form. For IPL 2026 specifically, Manjrekar highlighted Parag’s top effort against Delhi Capitals—where Parag struck 90 off 50 deliveries.
- Manjrekar described the situation as something he “never understood,” implying the franchise’s motivation goes beyond on-field output alone.
- He said his only conclusion is that the Royals and their management appear to like Parag as a talent and as a personality.
- He also suggested they spotted leadership qualities and therefore backed him as captain.
- Even while questioning the captaincy call, Manjrekar admitted Parag’s talent is visible when he plays at his best, pointing again to the 90-odd knock.
Manjrekar’s final assessment centered on Parag’s temperament, saying what stands out is an “unbelievable self-confidence.” He claimed that even when Parag was not producing match-winning contributions, the way he went about his fielding and actions appeared designed to draw attention—something Manjrekar interpreted as confidence that looked genuine rather than performed.
At the international level, Parag has represented India in one ODI and nine T20Is.
