R Ashwin believes the entire vaping incident involving Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper Riyan Parag could have easily been avoided. The 24-year-old was caught by the cameras vaping in the dressing room during the team’s IPL 2026 match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 28.

He empathized with Parag and remarked that he would not want a youngster to go through a situation like this. However, the former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star opined that the players should not engage in such activities in public spaces.

Ashwin commented in his latest YouTube video:

“I think this is a situation that could have been avoided. I don’t want the players to get trapped in such things. I don’t really want that for a young player. And this is a bit sensitive as well. I think, in all quadrants, if we look at many things, this could have been avoided. Sometimes it is a personal choice, but your personal choice should be in your personal space. If you do all this in a public space, that can very well be avoided.”

The video of Parag vaping in the dressing room went viral. Apart from criticism from fans, the all-rounder was also fined 25 percent of his match fees and handed one demerit point by the BCCI.

“There is a responsibility” – R Ashwin’s advice to Riyan Parag amid vaping controversy

R Ashwin mentioned that Riyan Parag should have been more responsible as the captain of an IPL team. He added that the Guwahati-born cricketer should keep in mind that he is an inspiration to many young cricketers.

The legendary spinner said in the same video:

“As an elder brother, I just want to tell Riyan Parag that whatever happens in your personal life, nobody has any concern over it. No one can say anything about it. But whatever you want to do, do it in your personal space because you are a captain, the leader of a franchise, and probably an inspiration for many cricketers and young people around the world.

“So, there is a responsibility. I have my deepest empathy and sympathy for the young kid, but at the same time, I totally believe all these things should and can be avoided.”

Parag has struggled for form in IPL 2026. The talented batter has scored just 117 runs across nine games at a strike rate of 124.46.