Kagiso Rabada. He has once again found himself in the limelight, but this time not for his fiery spell with the ball. The Gujarat Titans speedster has been trending on social media after he was spotted smoking a cigarette with team staff on the premises of a hotel, sparking controversy among fans and critics alike.The footage, reportedly filmed from the balcony of the team hotel, showed the Gujarat Titans fast bowler smoking in an open area. Although smoking does not violate any anti-doping rules or professional codes in cricket, the optics of the incident have raised eyebrows. As a high-level international player and role model, Rabada’s actions have come under intense scrutiny, especially given his recent disciplinary past.The incident follows a much more serious incident in 2025 that briefly halted Rabada’s career trajectory. During the SA20 league earlier this year, the South African fast bowler tested positive for cocaine metabolites (benzoylconone), leading to a temporary suspension.He missed a crucial phase of the IPL season from April 1 to May 1, 2025. However, Rabada was able to avoid a lengthy ban after successfully proving that the substance was consumed out of competition. His cooperation with authorities and completion of a substance abuse treatment program played a key role in solving the case.Despite the return to professional cricket, the shadow of the controversy still lingers, giving such minor off-field incidents a further dimension in the public discourse.
Social media reaction : Divided opinions
A recent smoking incident has sparked mixed reactions online. While some fans say it’s a personal choice and shouldn’t be overanalyzed, others believe elite athletes have a responsibility to maintain a certain standard both on and off the field.
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Amidst the noise, Rabada’s on-field performance remained steady. Representing Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026, he has already taken 10 wickets in six matches, playing a key role in the team’s bowling attack.
