Rajasthan Royals Manager Faces Backlash for Mobile Phone Use During IPL Match

Controversy Surrounds Rajasthan Royals' Team Manager

Romi Bhinder, the long-serving manager of the Rajasthan Royals, has sparked controversy after being filmed using a mobile phone in the team's dugout during their IPL clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

The incident was initially highlighted on Instagram by a social media influencer, and it has been confirmed that Bhinder was indeed on his phone while seated next to rising star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during the Royals' six-wicket victory in Guwahati on Friday.

A BCCI official stated, 'Yes, Bhinder has violated the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) protocol, as mobile phones are prohibited in the dugout during matches.'

According to the IPL's official website, the PMOA protocol for 2026 specifies, 'The Team Manager may use a phone in the dressing room but NOT in the dugout.'

Those familiar with the situation believe that Bhinder, who has been with the franchise since its beginning, should have been fully aware of the anti-corruption regulations.

'While it may have been unintentional, there must be consequences for this breach. The nature of the action—whether a warning or a match ban—will depend on the match referee and the ACU report. The IPL Governing Council will make a decision based on that,' noted a senior official.

Bhinder may face increased scrutiny, particularly after Sooryavanshi referred to him as his 'local guardian' during the post-match presentation.