Yuzvendra Chahal (Source: AFP & X/@i_am_gustakh)
On April 30, Rajasthan Royals’ captain Riyan Parag was reprimanded by the BCCI for publicly vaping during the ongoing IPL 2026, with a 25% deduction from his match fee. However, only a few days later, another big name in the Indian cricket fraternity, Yuzvendra Chahal, was also reportedly caught vaping in flight during the team’s travel to Hyderabad.
Fans were quick to catch the Punjab Kings’ lead spinner red-handed in a now-edited video shared on Arshdeep Singh’s YouTube channel, posted on May 5, 2026. In the video, the table-toppers were mid-flight en route to Hyderabad for their next IPL 2026 fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Watch the controversial video here:
Yuzvendra Chahal under massive scrutiny for his yet another controversial act
It is worth noting that the Indian spinner has a knack for staying in the headlines. Before the vaping controversy, Yuzvendra Chahal was involved in an ugly public divorce with his ex-wife, Dhanashree Verma, involving allegations of infidelity. The situation escalated after the cricketer’s public appearance in a t-shirt that read "Be Your Own Sugar Daddy".
Later, actress Taniya Chatterjee sparked controversy in April 2026 by publicly sharing alleged Instagram direct messages (DMs) from Chahal, in which he supposedly called her "cute". The viral video led the Indian cricketer to reportedly file a defamation case against her.
Also read: Yuzvendra Chahal Hides His Face In Shame As Shashank Singh's Butterfingers Strike Again
More recently, Chahal was heavily scrutinised for smoking a cigarette and littering while driving a high-end car. The cricketer was captured blowing a puff and carelessly throwing the cigarette on the road. The video had garnered harsh criticism from both fans and civic organisations.
Fans bash Punjab Kings' spinner for his recent act
Notably, vaping is banned in India. Thus, carrying vapes (e-cigarettes) is strictly prohibited on both domestic and international flights. Under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019, vaping devices cannot be carried in checked baggage or in cabin baggage.
Hence, the fresh incident of recklessly consuming an illegal substance has once again brought the Indian cricketer under the spotlight.
Many even expressed shock, considering Chahal had recently claimed that it had been over six months since he had quit drinking alcohol and appealed to players to ‘learn’ from him.
“I've stopped drinking alcohol, and it's been more than six months. I am now 35, so I want to be more active and give my 150% for my team. As a senior player, I want people in the IPL to learn something from me," Chahal noted while speaking on AB de Villiers' YouTube channel right before IPL 2026.
Here is what the netizens stated online:
A quick glance at Yuzvendra Chahal's IPL 2026
Playing for Punjab Kings, Chahal has had a decent run in the IPL 2026 so far, claiming 8 wickets in 10 games. Known as a high-impact spinner, Chahal has created multiple wicket-taking chances. However, the lack of support from the fielders has marred his overall stats in the season.
Also read: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Both Left Out As RCB Player Makes His 5-A Side 6 Hitting Team
