NEW DELHI
Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has spoken out regarding the recent vaping controversy involving Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag. Ashwin insists that such incidents cannot be ignored, stressing that leaders must maintain high standards of discipline in the public eye.
The trouble began during a match against Punjab when cameras caught Parag using a vaping device in the dressing room. The footage quickly went viral, leading to a 25 percent match fee fine for the young captain. Parag admitted to breaching the league’s code of conduct, which forbids behavior that brings the game into disrepute.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin acted as a mentor, calling the situation “totally avoidable.” While he acknowledged that personal choices are private, he reminded Parag that his actions in a stadium are public. As a franchise leader and an inspiration to millions of young fans, Ashwin noted that Parag carries a heavy responsibility on his shoulders.
Ashwin expressed sympathy for the young player but stood firm on the need for punishment. He argued that if authorities brushed these mistakes under the carpet, no one would learn from them. The “elder brother” advice was clear, to keep personal habits in personal spaces to protect the integrity of the sport.
With the IPL season in full swing, this incident serves as a stern reminder to all athletes. In a world of constant camera coverage, there is no room for slips in professional conduct, especially for those leading a team.