Sanjay Manjrekar Defends Riyan Parag Amid Vaping Controversy
A Storm in the Dressing Room
The 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season has been filled with drama, but few incidents have sparked as much intense debate as the controversy surrounding Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag. The 24-year-old found himself in the eye of a storm after being caught on camera vaping inside the dressing room at the Mullanpur Stadium. The incident, which occurred during a crucial victory over the Punjab Kings, drew immediate scrutiny from the public and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
While the player was swiftly handed a 25% match fee fine and a demerit point, the aftermath has been characterized by heated discussions regarding player conduct, privacy, and the nature of modern sports scrutiny.
Sanjay Manjrekar: A Voice of Reason?
Among the many voices weighing in on the issue, former Indian Test batter and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has offered a perspective that challenges the severity of the backlash. Speaking to Sportstar, the 60-year-old did not shy away from the fact that Parag made a mistake, but he shifted the focus toward a more nuanced understanding of the situation.
“When I saw the incident, I felt it was close to smoking, but then what is the big deal?” Manjrekar remarked. He acknowledged that while a law regarding electronic cigarettes has been in place since 2019, the disciplinary focus should perhaps be adjusted. “Action must be taken, but it shouldn’t be against the player, but against the person who supplied the e-cigarettes,” he argued.
The “Soft Target” Narrative
Manjrekar’s most significant observation was his assertion that Parag was treated as a “soft target.” He emphasized that the cricketing world has witnessed far more egregious violations in the past, suggesting that the harshness of the criticism was disproportionate to the offense.
“One has to move on from the incident. There have been worse incidents and violations that have taken place in the past. He was made a soft target, and one shouldn’t be too harsh on him because of his stature or who he is,” Manjrekar added, calling for more perspective from the fans and the media alike.
Contextualizing the Past: From Srikkanth to Warne
To further contextualize his view, the former Mumbai Ranji Trophy-winning captain drew upon his own experiences in the game. He reminded cricket fans that smoking and other vices have long existed in dressing rooms, albeit away from the prying eyes of modern high-definition cameras.
“In our days, Kris Srikkanth loved to smoke, and it was done as a way to relax your nerves to negate the frustration after losing your wicket. Even Shane Warne did the same, but then the cameras weren’t as intrusive,” Manjrekar recalled. His point highlights how technological advancements in broadcasting have changed the level of oversight players now face, effectively turning every corner of a stadium into a public arena.
Looking Ahead: Rajasthan Royals vs. Gujarat Titans
While the off-field chatter continues, the Rajasthan Royals must refocus on their on-field ambitions. The Jaipur-based franchise is preparing for a pivotal showdown against the Gujarat Titans this Saturday at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
Both teams are currently locked in a tight battle, having played ten games each with 12 points apiece. With the playoffs approaching, this encounter carries immense weight for both sides. The Royals are coming off a tough home loss, having failed to defend a score of 226 against the Delhi Capitals, who cruised to victory thanks to brilliant half-centuries from KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka.
As the tournament reaches its business end, Riyan Parag and his team will be looking to put the recent distractions behind them and secure a vital win that could define their season trajectory. The pressure is on, both for the skipper to lead his team back to winning ways and for the franchise to reclaim its status as a top-tier contender.
