Rajasthan Royals' Manager Faces Controversy Over Mobile Phone Use During IPL Match
Rajasthan Royals' Strong Start Amid Controversy
The Rajasthan Royals (RR) have made an impressive start in IPL 2026, currently leading the points table with four consecutive victories. However, their success has been overshadowed by a significant controversy involving their manager, Romi Bhinder. During the match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 10 at the Assam Cricket Association Stadium in Guwahati, Bhinder was spotted using a mobile phone in the dugout. This action is viewed as a serious violation of the BCCI's anti-corruption regulations, which prohibit players and support staff from using phones in the dugout. An investigation into the incident is currently underway.
Reports indicate that Bhinder has received a notice from the BCCI following the involvement of the board's Anti-Corruption Service Unit (ACSU). It has emerged that the RR manager was using his phone due to a prior medical emergency that required him to be on a ventilator for a week after both of his lungs collapsed. “He spent nearly a month in a Nagpur hospital due to this medical crisis,” a source revealed.
Medical Reasons Behind Phone Use
According to additional information from the publication, Bhinder experienced significant weight loss of over 10 kilograms due to his health issues and also suffers from asthma. This condition necessitated him having the phone for medical reasons. “Romi has lost more than 10 kilos due to medical issues. He has asthma, which limits his ability to walk long distances or climb stairs frequently. He is actively involved with the team and understands the rules, but the phone was with him for medical purposes,” the source explained.
While having a mobile phone in the dugout is permitted under the rules, the concern arose from its usage. The source clarified that Bhinder was not making calls but merely scrolling through his phone. “Possessing a mobile phone and a laptop in the dugout is allowed according to the protocol. The issue was his usage, but he was not making or receiving calls; he was just scrolling. He has time to present his side to the ACSU officials,” the source added.