Last Updated on April 13, 2026 by Khabr Bite
During the clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on April 10, 2026, Romi Bhinder was spotted using a mobile phone while seated in the dugout. Using a phone is a violation of the IPL’s players and Match officials Area (PMOA) protocol. According to the rules, the team managers are permitted to use mobile phones only in the dressing room, while the use of electronic devices is not allowed in the dugout.
As per the reports, Romi Bhinder has been served a notice by the ACSU (Anti-Corruption and Security Unit) of the BCCI. BCCI has given him 48 hours to submit an explanation. According to Hindustan Times, IPL Governing Council Chairman Arun Dhumal told the publication that, “We have asked the ACSU to investigate and file a report on the incident.
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Reason Behind Phone Controversy?
Report says, Bhinder’s phone use was linked to a medical emergency. According to Hindustan Times, he was suffering from major health issues in the past. The issues also included a collapsed lung that required him to stay a bit longer in the hospital. As per the sources, the ACSU officials noted that while team managers may carry phones for medical reasons, usage is only allowed in the dressing room.
Sources say, “Romi has lost more than 10 kilos due to medical issues. He has asthma as well, because of which he is advised not to walk a long distance or climb stairs frequently. He is with the team and performs various roles for the franchise. Hence, he knows the rules and regulations, but that phone was in his possession due to medical reasons. Besides, possessing a mobile phone and a laptop in the dugout is allowed as per the protocol. The only problem was the usage, but again, he was not making calls or receiving any of them. He was just scrolling through his phone. He has time, and he will try to explain his point of view to the ACSU officials.”
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According to the viral image, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was seated beside him in the dugout and was looking at his phone. Also, the source added, “We are hopeful that the ACSU officials will keep Romi’s medical conditions in mind before arriving at a conclusion. The problem was that he had to walk at least 50 steps before climbing around 20 steps to reach the dressing room and do the same to return to the dugout. That must have forced him to check the phone at the dugout itself.”
Who is Romi Bhinder?
Romi Bhinder was born and raised in Talegaon, a town near Pune in Maharashtra, but his family roots are back from Amritsar, from where his father shifted to Talegaon to start a highway dhaba. Romi Bhinder is the Team Manager for the Rajasthan Royals IPL team and has been with the team since 2008.
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He is a former cricketer for Nagpur University. He holds a master’s degree in Sports Psychology and heads the RR High Performance Centre in Talegaon. Also, Romi is the director of the Innovative Minds School of Excellence in Talegaon, which serves over 1,000 students from rural communities.
