IPL 2026 Row: RR Manager Romi Bhinder Caught Using Phone in Dugout vs RCB

Rajasthan Royals have been doing very well in IPL 2026, but on Friday night in Guwahati, an off-field issue created some controversy. During their clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), team manager Romi Bhinder was seen using a mobile phone in the dugout. It is an act that goes against the IPL’s Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) protocol.

RR Manager’s Phone Use Raises Questions

The incident happened during the 11th over of Rajasthan Royals’ chase. Bhinder was sitting in the dugout using his phone, and Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who was next to him, seemed to look at the screen. The visuals quickly spread across social media. The viral video has prompted people online to question a possible breach of anti-corruption guidelines.

Bhinder is not just a team official; he is also a mentor and guardian to Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the 15-year-old young star who has impressed everyone this season. Vaibhav’s father, Sanjiv, has officially authorised Bhinder as the teenager’s guardian during the IPL seasons. In fact, Bhinder was the first one who called Suryavanshi when he was bought by the franchise for INR 1.10 crore at the IPL 2025 auction just as a 13-year-old.

IPL Rule Breach Under Scanner

The IPL’s PMOA rules clearly say that electronic devices are controlled. Some officials, like the team manager, can carry phones, but they are allowed to use them only in a limited way. As per the 2026 protocol: The team manager may use a phone in the dressing room area but not in the dugout. The dugout falls under the restricted PMOA zone, which also includes dressing rooms, match referee areas and designated viewing zones. These spaces are monitored closely by the BCCI’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU), with strict controls in place to prevent any unauthorised communication.

“Managers and media managers carry the phone but the rules regarding its use are very clear. Using it in the dugout is a serious lapse because Romi was sitting next to players who looked at his screen when he was scrolling. There is no grey area here and now it’s up to the officials to investigate the matter,” said an IPL official while speaking to TOI.

Since the dugout is clearly visible and players might get information from such devices, this rule break is taken very seriously. The issue will now be checked by the match referee and the ACSU. While the rulebook does not publicly outline fixed penalties for this specific offence, disciplinary action is almost certain if the breach is confirmed. Possible outcomes could range from a financial fine to stricter sanctions, including restrictions on match-day involvement. The IPL Governing Council will take the final call based on reports submitted by officials.

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IPL 2026, SRH vs RR Match Prediction: Who Will Win, Fantasy Picks, Top Batters and Bowlers Sunrisers Hyderabad will take on Rajasthan Royals in the 21st match of Indian Premier League 2026 on April 13th at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad with the game set to begin at 7:30 PM.

by Dwijesh April 11, 2026