Punjab Kings spinner Yuzvendra Chahal may have successfully played the internet after a viral clip from a team travel vlog appeared to show him vaping inside a flight while travelling with the squad to Hyderabad for PBKS’ IPL 2026 clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad.The footage surfaced from one of pacer Arshdeep Singh’s behind-the-scenes travel vlogs on YouTube. In the now-viral segment, Chahal, seated by the window alongside teammate Shashank Singh, appears to hide something in his hand, mimic a vaping gesture, with a small puff of smoke appearing before he coughs – instantly triggering outrage online amid the recent Riyan Parag vaping controversy.
However, while social media initially took the bait and slammed Chahal for allegedly vaping onboard, several eagle-eyed users pointed out that the spinner seemed to be holding some kind of spray or mist device in his hand rather than an actual vape.Interestingly, the original upload reportedly contained the full sequence, but the version currently live on Arshdeep’s YouTube channel no longer includes the moment in question. A clipped recording of the incident, however, continues to circulate widely across social media platforms.The episode has now sparked debate online, with many wondering whether Chahal was genuinely vaping or simply pulling off a prank-style dig at the ongoing discourse surrounding cricketers and vaping.Earlier too, Chahal had gone viral in an unrelated clip that allegedly showed him smoking while driving a luxury vehicle. However, The Times of India could not independently verify the authenticity of that footage.The latest buzz also contrasts sharply with Chahal’s recent comments about adopting a stricter lifestyle. Speaking on former teammate AB de Villiers’ YouTube channel ahead of IPL 2026, the 35-year-old had revealed that he quit alcohol more than six months ago in a bid to improve fitness and manage injuries better.
