Who is Romi Bhinder? Why has the RR Staff close to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi landed in Controversy in IPL 2026?

Rajasthan Royals backroom staff Romi Bhinder, who has been often associated with the team, has landed in a big controversy in the ongoing IPL 2026 season.

The controversy erupted during RR's IPL 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on April 11, 2026.

IPL 2026: What is the Controversy related to Romi Bhinder?

In the match against RCB, Romi was seen using his mobile at the RR dugout during the match. TV cameras captured Bhinder using a mobile phone in the team dugout during the 11th over of RR's chase. Sooryavanshi, seated right next to him, was seen peeking at the screen. The clip went viral on social media, sparking outrage.

This act violates the IPL's strict Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) protocol. According to BCCI rules (explicitly stated on the IPL website), team managers may use phones in the dressing room but not in the dugout. Cell phones are banned in the dugout during matches to prevent any unauthorised communication and uphold anti-corruption measures. A BCCI official confirmed the breach, noting that Bhinder "has indeed breached the protocol."

Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi publicly demanded "immediate action" from the BCCI. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia stated that the matter is under examination. Possible outcomes include a fine, warning, or sanctions for Bhinder (and potentially a warning for Sooryavanshi). The Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) may seize and scan Bhinder's phone. It remains unclear if he will be allowed in the dugout for RR's next match.

Who is Romi Bhinder?

Romi Bhinder is a long-serving member of the Rajasthan Royals (RR) backroom staff, having been associated with the franchise since its inception in the inaugural IPL season in 2008.

He started as a liaison officer, later served as assistant manager, and has been the team manager for several years. Bhinder has a deep cricket background, having played club cricket in the UK and represented Vidarbha, Maharashtra, and Nagpur University at district levels.

He is also a director at the Institute of Sports in Talegaon, RR's High Performance Centre, and has been involved in franchise selections, trials, and logistics. During the IPL, he acts as the "local guardian" for young talents, including 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

RR went on to win the match comfortably, with Sooryavanshi starring, but the off-field incident has overshadowed the result and raised questions about compliance with anti-corruption protocols in the high-stakes T20 league.