It appears Romi Bhinder may have needed a familiar reminder from every Indian household: “Put that phone away.”
While Rajasthan Royals have dominated IPL 2026 headlines with their explosive performances, Friday night’s clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati shifted the spotlight for an unexpected reason. Cameras caught Bhinder using a mobile phone in the dugout during the 11th over of RR’s chase, sparking widespread debate.
Seated beside him was teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who was also seen glancing at the screen. The clip, captured shortly after Sooryavanshi’s dismissal, quickly went viral on social media, with fans raising concerns over a potential breach of league protocols.
IPL Protocols on Mobile Phone Usage
The Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) guidelines in the IPL are clear and stringent regarding electronic device usage. While certain personnel—such as the team manager—are permitted to use mobile phones, there is a crucial restriction: usage is allowed only within the dressing room and strictly prohibited in the dugout.
As per the regulations:
- “The Team Manager may use a phone in the Dressing Room area but NOT in the Dugout.”
For players and most support staff, the rules are even more stringent. Devices must be switched off and surrendered upon arrival at the venue. Only the designated team analyst is permitted to use a computer at an assigned workstation for match-related data.
Bhinder’s actions, therefore, appear to fall within restricted territory, particularly given the dugout’s visibility during live play.
What Happens Next?
The incident is expected to be reviewed by the match referee and the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU). Although the rulebook does not explicitly specify penalties for such breaches, consequences could range from a financial fine to stricter disciplinary measures, including a suspension from match-day duties.
Had the phone been used inside the dressing room, the matter might have gone unnoticed. However, using it in the dugout—under the glare of live cameras—has turned it into a significant talking point.
In modern cricket, where integrity and transparency remain paramount, even a momentary lapse can spark intense scrutiny.
