Punjab Kings leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has found himself at the centre of online controversy after an alleged snippet from a team travel vlog began circulating on social media. The clip, which supporters say shows him vaping during a flight while travelling with the squad, has sparked debate—especially in a country where vaping and e-cigarettes are strictly regulated.
How the travel-vlog clip emerged
The Punjab Kings were en route to Hyderabad for their IPL 2026 fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad, scheduled for May 6. During that journey, pacer Arshdeep Singh—who is known for posting light, behind-the-scenes travel content on his YouTube channel—shared a video featuring multiple PBKS players.
In the vlog, Chahal is shown seated by the window next to teammate Shashank Singh. While the initial upload reportedly included the vaping portion, Arshdeep’s YouTube version has since been updated and the footage in question is no longer present in the current edition.
Even so, a trimmed segment from the earlier recording—where Chahal can be seen vaping—has gone viral across social platforms. Reactions have been widespread, with many users highlighting the legal and public-health concerns around vaping in India.
Earlier viral incident adds to the backlash
The latest uproar comes after another viral video involving Chahal had already made rounds online. That earlier clip allegedly showed him smoking while driving a luxury car.
In the claims surrounding that footage, Chahal is said to be taking a puff and then throwing the cigarette butt onto the road, which drew criticism from sections of fans and civic groups.
Verification questions and timeline uncertainty
At present, the authenticity of the videos cannot be independently confirmed, and it remains unclear exactly when and where the disputed footage was recorded. The matter has also surprised some observers, given that Chahal had recently spoken publicly about adopting a stricter approach to lifestyle.
Chahal’s earlier comments on fitness and longevity
Just weeks before the IPL 2026 season, Chahal appeared on former India teammate AB de Villiers’ YouTube channel. In that conversation, he discussed prioritising fitness and longevity, while also explaining that he had made changes to his routine to support his body.
- Chahal said he stopped drinking alcohol more than six months earlier.
- He linked the decision to managing injuries and staying fit at the age of 35.
