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IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans pacer Kagiso Rabada has found himself in an unwanted controversy, with a video purportedly showing him smoking a cigarette in a hotel's premises. The viral footage, which shows GT team staff standing with Rabada, has sparked a debate online on the fitness regime of cricketers. However, there is no confirmation yet about when the clip was recorded.

The viral video shows Rabada sitting in an open area and smoking a cigarette. While smoking a cigarette does not violate any professional codes or anti-doping regulations, fans are questioning his conduct as a professional athlete. WATCH VIDEO HERE:

(The Daily Jagran does not verify the authenticity of the video.)

This is not the first time Rabada has come under the scanner. During the previous IPL season, he was handed a one-month suspension by the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport after he tested positive for cocaine metabolites (benzoylecgonine).

He had to leave the tournament midway to serve the ban before returning to the squad. However, Rabada cleared the test again and managed to prove that the substance was consumed out of competition.

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Kagiso Rabada has been a key player for the Gujarat Titans this season. He currently sits 7th in the Purple Cap race, having taken 10 wickets in 6 matches. The right-arm pacer has delivered solid performances, maintaining an average of 22 and an economy rate of 9.7, even though he has been slightly expensive in a few games.

The video has sparked a debate among fans on social media, with some supporting the pace sensation, saying that it is his personal choice. However, several others questioned the cricketer and said that professional athletes are role models of younger generations and should uphold the responsibility, on and off the field.

This is not the first such controversy this season. Earlier, a viral video allegedly showed Yuzvendra Chahal smoking while driving. That clip also remained unverified, but it drew criticism from fans across social media.

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