Former India spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan demanded strict action after a viral video allegedly showed Yuzvendra Chahal vaping on a Punjab Kings team flight.
Yuzvendra Chahal has landed in another controversy during IPL 2026 after a video circulating on social media allegedly showed the Punjab Kings spinner vaping while travelling with teammates on a flight.
The clip, reportedly taken from a podcast involving Arshdeep Singh, appeared to show Chahal attempting to conceal the act while seated among fellow Punjab Kings players. The incident quickly triggered reactions online, especially because the use and sale of e-cigarettes remain prohibited in India.
The controversy arrives at a difficult time for Chahal, whose performances in IPL 2026 have already come under scrutiny despite Punjab Kings enjoying a strong campaign in the tournament.
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Laxman Sivaramakrishnan Demands Strict Punishment
Former India spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan reacted strongly to the viral video and questioned the implementation of laws regarding vaping in India.
Sivaramakrishnan also compared the situation to the recent incident involving Riyan Parag, who was reportedly fined 25 percent of his match fees after being caught using an e-cigarette inside the dressing room during a match against Punjab Kings.
“Vape is banned in India. Should be behind bars. What is the point in having Laws and not implementing them. 25% of match fees is peanuts. What if a regular person had done this, What would the action be?” said Sivaramakrishnan on X.
The controversy also follows another off-field issue involving Chahal earlier this season, where reports suggested that he had filed a defamation case against Kolkata-based influencer and actress Taniya Chatterjee after comments made during a media interaction escalated into a major controversy.
Chahal Struggling For Form Despite Punjab Kings’ Strong Season
While Punjab Kings continue to remain among the strongest teams of IPL 2026, Chahal has endured a relatively underwhelming campaign with the ball.
The veteran leg-spinner, who remains the highest wicket-taker in IPL history, has managed only eight wickets in 10 matches this season. He currently averages 35.75 with an economy rate of 9.53 and a strike rate of 22.50.
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His best performance of the tournament came against Rajasthan Royals, where he registered a three-wicket haul.
Meanwhile, Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, are currently placed second in the IPL 2026 points table with six wins from 10 matches. They are scheduled to face Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala on May 11, with a victory potentially taking them to the top of the standings.
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