Rabada caught smoking (Screengrab/X) Kagiso Rabada has once again found himself in the limelight but this time not for his fiery spells with the ball. The Gujarat Titans fast bowler is trending on social media after he was spotted smoking in the hotel premises along with team staff, sparking debate among fans and critics alike.The footage, reportedly shot from the balcony of the team hotel, captured the Gujarat Titans fast bowler smoking in the open. While smoking cigarettes 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 come under greater scrutiny, particularly in light of his recent disciplinary history.This incident comes on the back of a much more serious episode in 2025 that briefly halted Rabada’s career. During the SA20 league earlier that year, the South African pacer tested positive for cocaine metabolites (benzoylecgonine), leading to a temporary suspension.
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Matthew Hayden reacts after Gujarat Titans’ defeat against Mumbai Indians He was sidelined from 1 April to 1 May 2025, missing a crucial phase of the IPL season. However, Rabada managed to avoid a longer ban after successfully proving that the substance was consumed out of competition. His cooperation with the authorities and the completion of a drug addiction treatment program played a key role in solving the case.Despite the return to professional cricket, the shadow of this controversy still lingers, so even minor off-field incidents like this are amplified more in public discourse.
Reactions on social networks: Opinions differ
A recent smoking incident has drawn mixed reactions online. While some fans say it’s a personal choice and shouldn’t be overanalyzed, others believe that elite athletes have a responsibility to uphold a certain standard, both on and off the field.
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Amidst the noise, Rabada’s performances on the field remain solid. He has already taken 10 wickets in six matches for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026 and continues to be a vital cog in the team’s bowling attack.
