Did Yuzvendra Chahal Vape on a Flight? PBKS Spinner Sparks Controversy Ahead of SRH Clash

Punjab Kings leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has ignited a major debate across social media after a viral video clip seemingly captured him vaping on a team flight. The footage emerged as the squad traveled to Hyderabad for their IPL 2026 fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The incident originated from a behind-the-scenes YouTube travel vlog uploaded by PBKS fast bowler Arshdeep Singh. In a now-deleted segment of the video, Chahal is seated next to teammate Shashank Singh by the window. The 35-year-old spinner appears to conceal an object in his hand, mimics a vaping motion, releases a small puff of white smoke, and coughs. This sequence immediately drew comparisons to the recent vaping controversies surrounding other domestic cricketers, including Riyan Parag.

Analyzing the Viral Vlog Footage

While initial online reactions condemned Chahal for smoking inside a commercial aircraft, careful analysis of the footage suggests the veteran bowler may have orchestrated a prank.

• The Object: Frame-by-frame reviews by fans indicate Chahal was likely holding a pocket-sized mist spray or nasal spray, not an electronic cigarette.
• The Smoke: The vapor dissipated unnaturally fast, characteristic of water vapor from an atomizer spray rather than vape smoke.
• The Intention: Fans speculate Chahal was mocking the ongoing social media outrage regarding cricket players and vaping.

Following the online uproar, the original vlog on Arshdeep Singh’s channel was edited to remove the specific interaction. However, screen-recorded versions continue to circulate widely on X and Instagram.

Fitness Commitments and Past Incidents

This incident arrives just weeks after Chahal publicly discussed his revamped lifestyle choices. Speaking on a podcast hosted by former teammate AB de Villiers ahead of the IPL season, Chahal stated he stopped consuming alcohol over six months ago to improve his conditioning, manage injuries, and extend his career.

Despite his renewed focus on health, Chahal previously faced unverified allegations when a separate video purported to show him smoking while driving a car. Neither the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) nor the Punjab Kings management have released an official statement regarding this flight incident.

Yuzvendra Chahal: IPL Fact File

As the all-time leading wicket-taker in the history of the Indian Premier League, Chahal remains a central figure in the PBKS bowling attack.

Whether a calculated prank or a genuine lapse in judgment, Chahal’s actions have drawn unwanted attention as the Punjab Kings prepare for their high-stakes encounter against Sunrisers Hyderabad.