Controversy broke out during the match between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Rajasthan Royals team manager Romi Bhinder was seen using his mobile phone while sitting with young batsman Vaibhav Suryavanshi inside the team’s dugout.
Royals defeated Royal Challengers by six wickets at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Friday, April 10. They achieved the target of 202 runs with 12 balls remaining. Social media users questioned whether officials allow the use of mobile phones during live matches and demanded clarification from the BCCI.
Rajasthan Royals manager Vaibhav caught using phone near Suryavanshi
Romi Bhinder violated official rules by using his mobile phone inside the Rajasthan Royals dugout. The official protocol outlines exceptions for team officials regarding the use of mobile phones during live matches and clearly defines where Bhinder is allowed to use communication devices.
Are phones allowed in the dugout during a match?? @bcci @IPL pic.twitter.com/qggyrS48SH
-Rishabh 18 (@Rishabh18v) 10 April 2026
Board of Control for Cricket in India Strict protocols for fielding players and match officials were implemented for 2026. Rules prohibit electronic communications devices inside the team dugout. Support staff will have to hand over their mobile phones to the security liaison officer upon reaching the stadium.
Official protocol allows limited mobile phone access to the team manager only. However, the manager must use the device only inside the designated dressing room area. Romi Bhinder Violated this rule by using my mobile phone in Rajasthan Royals Dug out.
BCCI enforces these rules to prevent unauthorized electronic communications during live matches. The match referee or the anti-corruption unit may investigate this violation. Cricket officials can issue a warning or impose a fine on Rajasthan Royals.
“The use of mobile phones and other electronic communication devices is not permitted in the PMOA except by certain team members. The team manager may use the phone in the dressing room area, but not in the dugout.”
If the match referee or anti-corruption unit finds a violation of the PMOA protocol, the team may face a fine or warning. Although the team manager is allowed to make phone calls in the dressing room, this matter could be seen as a minor technical error.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Dhruv Jurel’s victory secured
Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag won the toss and decided to bowl first against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Joffra Archer, Ravi Bishnoi and Brijesh Sharma took two wickets each. Rajat Patidar scored 63 runs which helped RCB post a good score of 201 on a batting-friendly surface.
Rajasthan Royals chased the target by scoring 202 runs for four wickets in 18 overs. Vaibhav Suryavanshi scored 78 runs in 26 balls, while Dhruv Jurel remained unbeaten on 81 to seal the win in Guwahati.
Rajasthan Royals extended their winning streak to four matches in the Indian Premier League 2026 and currently top the points table. Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bengaluru are placed third after winning two of their last three matches.
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