Rajasthan Royals (RR) manager Romi Bhinder recently came under BCCI investigation for using a mobile phone in the team dugout, but reports indicate his actions were due to serious medical issues.
During RR’s IPL 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Guwahati on Friday (April 10), cameras captured Bhinder scrolling and typing on a mobile phone in the dugout. Sitting right next to him was teenage batting prodigy, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who appeared to be glancing at the screen.
Subsequently, Bhinder was served a notice and asked to explain the situation to BCCI’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU).
Now, a report published in the New Indian Express suggests that Bhinder has been dealing with severe health issues, including having both lungs collapse in the past, leading to a week-long stay on a ventilator and subsequent ICU time.
“Both of his lungs had collapsed and that medical emergency meant he spent nearly a month in a Nagpur hospital,” a source was quoted as saying by the publication.
Due to his condition, which includes asthma and significant weight loss, he was advised not to frequently walk long distances or climb stairs. This could have played a role in him violating the rules regarding the usage of phone in the dugout.
“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 performed various roles for the franchise. Hence he knows the rules and regulations but that phone was in his possession due to medical reasons,” another source said.
“We are hopeful that the ACSU officials will keep Romi’s medical conditions in mind before arriving at a conclusion. The problem was 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,” the source added.
Meanwhile, IPL Governing Council Chairman Arun Dhumal confirmed that the BCCI's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) has been asked to investigate and file a report regarding the incident.
“We have asked the ACSU to investigate and file a report on the incident,” Dhumal told the publication.
According to the IPL's Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) protocol, team managers are permitted to carry and use mobile phones inside the dressing room, but they are strictly prohibited from using them in the dugout. This is a fundamental security measure to prevent any external communication that could compromise the integrity of the game.
