Kamal Ghorui
Kagiso Rabada has once again found himself at the center of public attention, but this time not for his fiery spells with the ball. The Gujarat Titans speedster is trending across social media after being spotted smoking in a hotel premises alongside team staff, igniting debate among fans and critics alike.The footage, reportedly filmed from a balcony at the team hotel, captured the Gujarat Titans fast bowler smoking in an open area. While smoking a cigarette does not violate any anti-doping regulations or professional codes in cricket, the optics of the incident have raised eyebrows. As a high-profile international athlete and role model, Rabada’s actions have been scrutinized more intensely, especially considering his recent disciplinary past.This incident comes on the back of a much more serious episode in 2025 that briefly halted Rabada’s career momentum. During the SA20 league earlier that year, the South African pacer tested positive for cocaine metabolites (benzoylecgonine), leading to a provisional suspension.He was sidelined from April 1 to May 1, 2025, missing a crucial phase of the IPL season. However, Rabada managed to avoid a lengthier 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 resolving the case.Despite returning to professional cricket, the shadow of that controversy still lingers, making even minor off-field incidents like this one more amplified in public discourse.
Social Media Reaction : Divided Opinions
The recent smoking incident has triggered mixed reactions online. While some fans argue that it is a personal choice and should not be overanalyzed, others believe elite athletes carry a responsibility to uphold a certain standard, both on and off the field.
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Amid the noise, Rabada’s on-field performances remain solid. Representing Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026, he has already claimed 10 wickets in six matches, continuing to be a vital cog in the team’s bowling attack.
