IPL 2026: ‘Not positive…’- Kumar Sangakkara slams Riyan Parag’s vaping incident ahead of RR vs DC clash

The Rajasthan Royals (RR), currently in fourth position of the points table with six victories in nine clashes at a net run rate of +0.617 during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, will have the chance to go to the top of the points table if they get the better of the Delhi Capitals in their next encounter at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. 

But despite the strong position in the table, the team environment of the franchise could be a bit sluggish due to the viral video of their captain, Riyan Parag, vaping inside the dressing room during their last clash against the Punjab Kings in Chandigarh.  

Kumar Sangakkara reflects on Parag’s vaping video

The RR head coach, Kumar Sangakkara, has reflected that the recent controversies around the team haven’t been a positive factor, but he reckoned that the players are always reminded of how they would always be responsible to the franchise.

“I think it is, of course, a reflection that is not positive on the team, a controversy of any kind. All I can say is that both of those have been addressed by the BCCI and the franchise. And then in terms of the culture, we always try to have a very positive, healthy culture.” Sangakkara expressed in the pre-match press conference.

“We have our own values we adhere to. And the constant reminder to the players is to make sure they're responsible to the franchise and to our culture and our values.” He addressed.

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The former Sri Lanka captain revealed that they had not been much concerned about the drop in form of their captain, who has done a decent job in the leadership group.

“I think he's done really well as a captain. And also in the last game, his little innings is what really shifted the momentum our way. He was fearless, he went out there in tough conditions and really brought the [required] rate and momentum back in our favour.” Sangakkara explained in the press conference. 

“Those are the impactful innings that I want to see from Riyan. His skill with the bat is not questionable at all. And sometimes it takes a while as a batter to get in. So, all I want to do is enjoy his batting, and you can't bat like a captain.” He concluded.

Riyan Parag fined 25% of match fee for vaping incident

The vaping controversy saw Parag being fined 25% of his match fee and handed one demerit point by the BCCI, who, earlier in the season, imposed a fine of INR 1 lakh on the RR manager, Ravinder Singh Bhinder, after he was spotted using a mobile phone in the team’s dugout during the clash against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati.

Parag has collected only 117 runs in nine innings of the IPL 2026 at an average of 14.62 and a strike rate of 124.46, with the best score of 29 runs. The 24-year-old will hope to get better with the bat and off the field.