Kagiso Rabada’s viral smoking video during IPL 2026 has sparked debate, even as the GT pacer regains form with strong performances on the field.
Kagiso Rabada has found himself in the spotlight after a video surfaced online showing the Gujarat Titans pacer smoking within a hotel premises during the ongoing IPL 2026 season. The clip, which has now gone viral across social media platforms, shows Rabada holding a cigarette while standing alongside members of the franchise setup.
While there are no strict legal restrictions on smoking in designated areas such as hotel lounges, the visuals have drawn criticism given Rabada’s status as a professional athlete. Maintaining peak fitness is crucial at the elite level, and such actions are often frowned upon in sporting circles.
As of now, there is no confirmed timeline of when the video was recorded, nor clarity on the individuals present alongside Rabada in the clip.
The footage also shows another member of the group approaching and engaging in a discussion with animated gestures. Neither the player nor the franchise has issued an official statement regarding the incident.
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This is not the first time Rabada has faced scrutiny off the field. During IPL 2025, the South African pacer served a one-month suspension after testing positive for recreational drug use during the SA20 tournament. Initially handed a three-month ban, the duration was later reduced.
Reflecting on that phase, Rabada had issued a public apology, stating, “I am deeply sorry to all those that I have let down. I will never take the privilege of playing cricket for granted. This privilege is much larger than me. It goes beyond my personal aspirations,” Rabada had said in a statement back then. “Moving forward, this moment will not define me. I will keep doing what I have always done, continuously working hard and playing with passion and devotion to my craft,” he added.
The recent video has once again brought his off-field conduct under discussion, although no direct violation has been confirmed.
On-Field Form Shows Signs Of Recovery
Despite the off-field noise, Rabada’s performances in IPL 2026 have shown improvement. After a relatively slow start to the season, he has picked up momentum in recent matches. The pacer delivered back-to-back strong performances, claiming three wickets each against Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians in Ahmedabad.
These performances have helped him climb to become one of Gujarat Titans’ leading wicket-takers this season. While the viral clip continues to circulate, Rabada’s focus on the field will be crucial as GT push forward in their IPL 2026 campaign.
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