Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who is out recuperating from a back injury sustained in Asia Cup 2018, was caught smoking of what appears to be a cigarette at Sakshi Dhoni’s birthday party. Pandya, who is known for his flamboyant lifestyle off-field may not have set the right example in a cricket-mad country like India where cricketers are considered as role models.

It is particularly distressing as the Indian all-rounder is undergoing rehabilitation post his injury. Skipper Virat Kohli is one person who has given paramount importance to a healthy lifestyle, and the video could be distressing for him in particular. MS Dhoni’s Daughter Ziva Enthralls the Audiences With her Cute On-Stage Performance in School (See Pics)

Here's the controversial video, the social media is buzzing with:

Was He Actually Smoking Something?

Did He Fail Hiding What It Seems It Is?

Mahendra Singh Dhoni threw a bash in Mumbai to celebrate his wife’s 30th  birthday, and the flashy Hardik Pandya seemed to be in good spirits in the videos that are now circulating in social media. But the one showing him smoking can spell trouble for the centrally contracted cricketer.

With several campaigns highlighting the harmful effects of smoking, the cricketer’s image could take a beating. The sportspersons often like to build a neat and tidy image of them in public eye which in turns benefits them in more ways they can imagine. In every sport, athletes representing their country are bounded to rules and regulations that they can never stop adhering too. BCCI has not yet reacted to the incident as per reports coming in.

Hardik Pandya has had his detractors in the past for his performances that lacks consistency, and this episode gives them another opportunity to bolster their case. With competition for places so high in the Indian team, let us hope Hardik Pandya does not allow these harmful habits affect his come back into the team.

The demanding Yo-Yo test tests every muscle of an athletes body with fit cricketers like Suresh Raina taking ages to clear it.  Hardik Pandya’ fans will hope there is better news coming from the cricket fields than party circuits involving the Mumbai Indian’s cricketer.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 20, 2018 01:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).