The Gujarat Titans (GT) camp has been rocked by an off-field controversy following their recent clash against the Mumbai Indians. A viral video clip, which began circulating early on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, allegedly shows star pacer Kagiso Rabada smoking a cigarette within the premises of the team hotel. While the act of smoking does not violate anti-doping regulations, the optics have triggered a massive debate on social media.
The incident has gained significant traction because it brings back painful memories of Rabada’s 2025 cocaine controversy, where he was provisionally suspended for testing positive for a banned recreational substance. With the pacer currently sitting in the Purple Cap race, this distraction is the last thing the Titans needed ahead of their crucial match against RCB.
Is the Viral Video of Kagiso Rabada Smoking Authentic?
The footage, which has garnered millions of views on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), allegedly captures Rabada in an open area of the Gujarat Titans’ team hotel. In the clip, other individuals believed to be part of the GT support staff are seen in the background, while fellow star Rashid Khan is reportedly heard in the audio asking, “What is this?”
Kagiso Rabada was spotted smoking at the GT team hotel. 👀
Rashid Khan and Gujarat Titans players and staff were also there, appearing to speak with him—it looked like Rashid was trying to stop him.
Was the theory about Rabada true? pic.twitter.com/0VT79nGPUU
— Sonu (@Cricket_live247) April 22, 2026
While several media outlets have reported on the clip, there has been no official confirmation from the Gujarat Titans management or the player regarding the timing or authenticity of the video. Some fans have questioned whether the footage is recent or a leaked clip from a previous season. However, coming immediately after GT’s loss to MI, the video has sparked concerns regarding the team’s disciplinary environment during a high-pressure playoff push.
What Was the 2025 Kagiso Rabada Cocaine Controversy?
The reason this smoking incident has caused such a stir is Rabada’s serious brush with the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) last year. In early 2025, Rabada tested positive for Benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, following a test conducted during the SA20 league.
Rabada issued a public apology at the time, stating he was “deeply sorry” for his “regrettable” actions. He managed to avoid a multi-year ban by proving the substance was used out of competition and not for performance enhancement. He served a one-month suspension from April to May 2025, which saw him fly home from the IPL mid-season. Although he successfully completed a rehabilitation program and returned to the field, the “shadow” of that drug case continues to amplify public reaction to even minor off-field incidents like the current smoking clip.
Will Kagiso Rabada Face a Ban in IPL 2026?
As of now, no disciplinary charges have been leveled against Rabada for the smoking video. Unlike his 2025 cocaine case, smoking a legal cigarette is not a violation of the WADA or BCCI anti-doping codes. However, most IPL franchises have strict internal codes of conduct regarding public behavior and the “role model” status of their athletes.
The Gujarat Titans are currently 6th on the points table and rely heavily on Rabada’s 10-wicket tally. Any internal suspension or fine could derail their campaign. For now, the team is focused on their upcoming game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 24, hoping to move past the social media frenzy and keep their eyes on the playoffs.
