Riyan Parag Breaks Silence On Vaping Controversy; Sends Strong Message To Critics

Riyan Parag broke his silence on the vaping controversy during IPL 2026, urging critics and commentators to focus on cricket while insisting outside noise should not affect a player’s mindset.

Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag has finally reacted to the controversy surrounding him during IPL 2026 after he was spotted vaping inside the dressing room during a live match.

The incident triggered heavy criticism on social media and reportedly invited disciplinary attention from the BCCI at a crucial stage of Rajasthan Royals’ playoff push.

Despite the backlash, Parag maintained that external noise should not interfere with a player’s focus and mindset. Speaking candidly about the criticism, the RR skipper admitted that public reactions are now a constant part of modern-day cricket.

“First, one thing I have understood now, that no matter what I do, people will talk,” Parag said on Tuesday. “Secondly, I have also understood that whatever talk is happening, it shouldn’t affect my game, my form, or my mindset. Keyboard warriors – that’s outside work, and it should be left outside. And as far as how much I think about my game and how much belief I have in my game, I feel that shouldn’t be overpowered.”

Riyan Parag Defends Players Amid Growing Scrutiny

Parag also reflected on the intense pressure cricketers face during the IPL, especially when teams fail to deliver results despite preparation and effort behind the scenes. The young captain stressed that fans and critics often overlook the hard work players put in before every match.

“Whatever is going on in the IPL this time around, lot of things are happening outside – I feel this entire country loves cricket very much. We, as players, try to give our best whenever we go out, to perform as per the crowd’s expectations,” he added.

The Assam-born batter further criticised the tendency to instantly question players’ commitment after poor performances, reminding everyone that cricketers are human beings capable of making mistakes.

“Players work very hard. It’s very easy to say when a team gets all out for 75-80 that they have no desire to play or don’t know how to play. Before that game, there must be three or four days of preparation, and there is preparation on how to score 220 or 250, but sometimes it doesn’t happen. We are also human; mistakes happen,” he said.

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RR Skipper Sends Direct Message To Commentators

Parag also took aim at sections of the media and commentary panel for amplifying off-field controversies instead of focusing on the cricket itself. The Royals captain urged commentators to respect the sport and keep discussions centred around performances on the field.

“I feel, whatever is happening outside, especially commentators whose voices are reaching the people, I would just request them to love cricket, talk about cricket, and I feel a sport that is so important to a country, in which we are the best, I feel it should be treated with little respect and only cricket should be talked about, nothing else,” he said.

Rajasthan Royals remain firmly in the playoff race in IPL 2026, and Parag will now hope to shift attention back towards cricket as the franchise heads into the decisive final phase of the tournament.

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