Daijiworld Media Network - Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Apr 12: Table-toppers Rajasthan Royals continued their dominant run in the Indian Premier League 2026 season, registering four wins in as many matches under skipper Riyan Parag. Their latest victory came against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati.

However, the win was overshadowed by a controversy involving team manager Romi Bhinder, who was seen using a mobile phone in the dugout during the match. A video clip of the incident, which has gone viral on social media, shows Bhinder seated alongside Vaibhav Sooryavanshi while using his phone.

According to a Board of Control for Cricket in India official, the act amounts to a breach of the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) protocol, which strictly prohibits the use of mobile phones in the dugout during matches. “The Team Manager may use a phone in the dressing room but not in the dugout,” the rule states.

Officials indicated that while the violation may have been inadvertent, disciplinary action is likely. The nature of the penalty—ranging from a warning to a possible match ban—will depend on the report of the match referee and the Anti-Corruption Unit, after which the IPL Governing Council will take a final call.

Despite the controversy, Rajasthan Royals will now shift focus to their next clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium later on Saturday. Riding high on momentum, RR will look to extend their unbeaten streak, while Hyderabad will aim to bounce back with an improved performance.