Rajasthan Royals (RR) found themselves at the centre of an off-field controversy during their IPL 2026 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati on Friday night. While the team’s on-field performances have largely made positive headlines this season, a dugout incident involving team manager Romi Bhinder has drawn unwanted attention.
During the 11th over of RR’s chase, Bhinder was seen using a mobile phone while seated in the dugout. The moment was captured on camera and quickly circulated across social media platforms, triggering widespread discussion among fans and analysts.
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What intensified the scrutiny was the fact that Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the 15-year-old batting prodigy and RR’s rising star, was seated next to Bhinder and appeared to glance at the phone screen.
PMOA Protocol Rules and Anti-Corruption Concerns
The incident has raised questions about a possible breach of the IPL’s Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) protocol, which strictly regulates the use of electronic devices in sensitive match zones.
According to IPL 2026 guidelines, team managers are allowed to carry mobile phones but are explicitly prohibited from using them in the dugout. The dugout is classified as a restricted PMOA zone, along with dressing rooms and other designated areas under the supervision of match officials.
These areas are closely monitored by the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU), which enforces strict communication and device usage rules to prevent any unauthorized information exchange during matches.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s Guardian Role Adds Context
Bhinder’s role within the franchise extends beyond administrative duties. He also serves as a mentor and guardian figure to Vaibhav Suryavanshi, one of the most talked-about young talents in the IPL this season.
Suryavanshi’s father, Sanjiv, has formally authorized Bhinder as the teenager’s guardian during IPL seasons, given the player’s young age. Bhinder was also the first person to contact Suryavanshi when Rajasthan Royals secured him for INR 1.10 crore at the IPL 2025 auction, when the player was just 13 years old.
BCCI May Review Dugout Phone Usage Incident
The viral nature of the video has prompted speculation that the BCCI may review the incident for potential disciplinary action. While team managers are permitted to carry phones, usage in restricted areas is considered a serious violation under PMOA rules.
An IPL official, speaking to Times of India, noted that the rules leave no room for ambiguity. The official emphasized that Bhinder’s presence in the dugout with active phone use, especially in proximity to players, could be treated as a regulatory lapse.
Given the stringent anti-corruption framework in place during IPL matches, even minor breaches in restricted zones are taken seriously. Authorities are expected to examine the footage and determine whether further action is warranted.
