The Rajasthan Royals’ impeccable start to the season has been somewhat clouded by an official investigation into manager Romi Bhinder following a breach of security protocols.
During Friday’s clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, cameras captured Bhinder using a cellphone on the bench.
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The optics went viral as he was seated beside the league’s newest sensation, fifteen-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
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Are mobiles allowed in the dugout in IPL?
According to the stringent Player and Match Official Area (PMOA) regulations established for the 2026 edition of the tournament, the presence of such technology is strictly forbidden in the vicinity of the field of play.
While team managers are permitted to retain mobile devices for urgent medical crises or family emergencies, these must remain within the confines of the changing rooms.
The guidelines dictate that all communication hardware, including cellular phones and sophisticated smartwatches, must be deactivated and surrendered to the designated Security Liaison Officer upon the squad’s arrival at the arena.
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Will Rajasthan Royals’ manager be sanctioned?
IPL chief Arun Dhumal has confirmed that the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) is currently dissecting the footage to determine the extent of the violation.
Speaking on the gravity of the situation, Dhumal emphasised that while exceptions exist for emergency coordination, the sanctity of the dugout remains non-negotiable.
“We have asked the ACSU to investigate the matter. The manager is allowed to have a mobile, but not in the dugout. You can use the mobile as an emergency measure or in case of a medical emergency,” Dhumal told The Indian Express.
“The matter would be investigated, and whatever is required to be done would be done. The matter would be dealt with all the seriousness it deserves, because all teams have to follow the rules set by the board.”
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IPL 2026 Points Table: Latest updated standings
| Pos | Team | Played | Won | Lost | NR | Nrr | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rajasthan Royals | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | +2.055 | 8 |
| 2 | Punjab Kings | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | +0.720 | 7 |
| 3 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | +1.148 | 6 |
| 4 | Delhi Capitals | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | +0.322 | 4 |
| 5 | Gujarat Titans | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | -0.029 | 4 |
| 6 | Lucknow Super Giants | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | -0.427 | 4 |
| 7 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | -0.024 | 2 |
| 8 | Mumbai Indians | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | -0.772 | 2 |
| 9 | Chennai Super Kings | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | -1.532 | 2 |
| 10 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 4 | 0 | 3 | 1 | -1.315 | 1 |
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.sportingnews.com ’
