‘Yuzvendra Chahal should be behind bars’ – L Sivaramakrishnan slams PBKS star after alleged vaping row

Laxman Sivaramakrishnan and Yuzi Chahal. (Photo Source: ILT20/IPL/BCCI)

Veteran leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal landed in fresh controversy after a video on social media allegedly showed him vaping on a Punjab Kings flight. Former India spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan has demanded strict action against Chahal, mentioning that vaping is illegal in India.

While the Punjab Kings have performed brilliantly in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), the same cannot be said about Chahal. However, off-field incidents may have hampered his performances. Last month, Chahal reportedly filed a defamation case against Kolkata-based model, actress, and influencer Taniya Chatterjee after what seemed like a casual remark during a media interaction escalated into a full-blown controversy.

Coming to the vaping row, in the clip being shared online from Arshdeep Singh’s podcast, the leg-spinner can seemingly be seen trying to hide the act while sitting among teammates on the flight. The use and sale of e-cigarettes is prohibited in India. Sivaramakrishnan compared a fine of 25% to peanuts. Riyan Parag was caught using an e-cigarette in the dressing room during the match against the Punjab Kings and fined 25% of his match fees.

“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.

How has Yuzvendra Chahal fared in IPL 2026?

The leading wicket-taker in IPL history, Chahal has picked up eight wickets in 10 matches at an average of 35.75 and an economy rate of 9.53. His strike rate is 22.50. Chahal’s best performance this season came against the Rajasthan Royals, where he bagged a three-for.

The Punjab Kings are set to face the Delhi Capitals at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association in Dharamsala on Monday, May 11. The Shreyas Iyer-led side is placed second on the points table, having won six matches and lost three. One of their games ended without a result. A win for the Kings on Monday will take them to the top of the points table.

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