The IPL 2026 has witnessed several off-field controversies, with multiple players making headlines over alleged smoking-related incidents during and after the tournament. The discussion first began when Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag was spotted vaping during a league match against Punjab Kings. Later, Yuzvendra Chahal also attracted attention after being seen getting engaged in a similar activity inside an aircraft.
Now, Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter Tim David has become the latest player to find himself at the center of online discussion. A video that recently surfaced on social media appears to show Tim David lighting a cigar while celebrating with teammates at the Narendra Modi Stadium. In the widely shared clip, he can be seen standing among RCB players, with Romario Shepherd nearby. Young talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is also visible in the background speaking with another RCB teammate, believed to be Phil Salt.
Here is the video clip:
https://x.com/DineshX18/status/2062102221811220925
Click to watch this video directly on X
Although there has been no official confirmation that Tim David was actually smoking in the video, the footage has generated significant interest among fans online. The speculation intensified after social media users highlighted an Instagram post shared by Tim David following RCB’s title-winning campaign. In the image, he is seen posing with the trophy alongside Phil Salt while appearing to hold a cigar in his mouth.
The latest buzz comes only days after Tim David was penalised for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials. He was fined 50 percent of his match fee and received two demerit points for a Level 1 offence. With his total now standing at five demerit points, Tim David is set to miss the opening match of the next IPL season.
