Punjab Kings spinner faces viral backlash over smoking claim

A clip that spread quickly online shows a man in a luxury car taking a cigarette break and then dropping the butt on the road. The footage looks very much like Punjab Kings’ Yuzvendra Chahal, a 35‑year‑old leg‑spinner who has been praised for his disciplined life and recent fitness goals. Fans and civic groups reacted strongly, calling the act irresponsible. The video was posted late Friday night and has already attracted millions of views. It shows the driver in traffic, pulling a drag from a cigarette and then tossing the burning tip onto the public road. The clip’s authenticity has not been confirmed, and neither Chahal nor the Punjab Kings organization have commented.Chahal’s reputation is built on a recent pledge to quit alcohol and focus on training. He talked about this change during an interview with AB de Villiers, saying he wants to set a positive example for younger teammates. His team finished as runners‑up last season, and injuries had limited his performance in the final. The alleged smoking scene contradicts Chahal’s public image and raises questions about how sports stars are perceived by the public. Whether the man in the video is indeed Chahal or a look‑alike remains unclear, but the story has already sparked a debate about civic responsibility and role models in cricket.