Watch: Yuzvendra Chahal caught smoking ahead of PBKS vs SRH IPL 2026 match

The build-up to the Indian Premier League 2026 clash between the Punjab Kings and the Sunrisers Hyderabad has taken an unexpected turn after a viral video allegedly showing Yuzvendra Chahal smoking surfaced on social media. The clip quickly spread online and sparked widespread discussion among fans just hours before the important match.

In the video, a person believed to be Chahal is seen smoking while driving a car. The footage was reportedly recorded by someone in a nearby vehicle and shows him behind the wheel of his Porsche. Although the authenticity of the video has not been confirmed, it has led to criticism from some sections of the public, with many raising concerns about timing and professionalism during an ongoing IPL season.

Chahal, who last played for the Indian national team in 2023, is currently part of the Punjab Kings squad in the IPL. The exact date and time of the video remain unclear. Another individual can also be seen sitting beside him in the car, but their identity is not known.

Watch the controversial video here:

What is seen in the viral video and why it sparked controversy

The viral video allegedly shows Yuzvendra Chahal taking a puff of a cigarette while driving, and then throwing the cigarette butt onto the road before speeding away. This act quickly caught public attention, and the video spread widely across social media platforms. Many users criticised him, not just for smoking, but for showing a lack of civic responsibility by littering on the road.

The controversy grew stronger as several social media users expressed their disappointment and anger. Some questioned how public figures can set a good example if they behave irresponsibly in public spaces. Others pointed out that while smoking is a personal choice, throwing waste on the road reflects poor civic sense. The strong reactions from fans and the public turned the incident into a major online debate.

The situation became more sensitive because of Chahal’s recent statements about focusing on fitness and discipline ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026. He had shared in an interview that he quit alcohol more than six months ago to improve his performance and set a good example for younger players. However, this viral video appears to go against that image. While smoking itself is not illegal, such behaviour is often criticised, especially when it involves a well-known international cricketer.

See also -WATCH: Yuzvendra Chahal hilariously mocks Usman Tariq with cheeky ‘statue’ cartoon, fans in splits

PBKS and SRH set for a viral clash

Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad will take on each other in a high-interest and much-talked-about clash in the Indian Premier League 2026 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, have started the season on a strong note. The team looks balanced, with a powerful batting line-up and a settled bowling unit. They have won two out of their three matches so far, while one game was washed out.

Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad, under stand-in captain Ishan Kishan, have shown mixed form. They lost their opening match to Royal Challengers Bengaluru but bounced back with an impressive win against Kolkata Knight Riders. However, they faced another defeat in their last match against Lucknow Super Giants and will be looking to return to winning ways.

Fans react as Yuzvendra Chahal caught smoking

Fans reacted strongly after a viral video allegedly showed Yuzvendra Chahal smoking while driving. The clip spread quickly on social media, and many users criticised his behaviour. Some fans said that, as a public figure, he should show better discipline and set a good example. Others were more upset about him throwing the cigarette on the road, calling it poor civic sense.

Here is how the players reacted: