IPL news – Page 7

Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain announced themselves in emphatic fashion on their Sunrisers Hyderabad debuts, picking up four wickets each against Rajasthan Royals and easing long-standing concerns around the team’s bowling.

Praful made an immediate impact with a searing opening spell, the 24-year-old dismantling the top order with three wickets in a single over. Sakib matched him with a composed, disciplined effort, ensuring the pressure never relented. Together, they provided the sharpness with the ball that Sunrisers had long been searching for.

Head coach Daniel Vettori, while encouraged by the performance against the Royals, suggested that adjustments could still be made based on how conditions play out.

“We’re playing on the same wicket as the last game. We’re anticipating it to be slightly different and that means we may have to make some tactical changes,” he said.

Vettori also downplayed concerns over modest returns from openers Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma.

“Every opening partnership aims to be ultra-aggressive, but it’s unrealistic to expect that to come off every time. We want to stick with that approach because when those two fire, we usually win,” he said.

ALSO READ | Prabhsimran Singh’s promise edges towards fulfilment at Punjab Kings

“We’ve got a strong batting line-up behind them, and they’ve stepped up when the opening stand hasn’t delivered. But when it clicks, it’s one of the best partnerships in the competition. Other teams play in a similar way, so we know how important it is and want them to keep that freedom.”

He also confirmed that Pat Cummins could make his first appearance of the season for SRH against the Rajasthan Royals on April 25.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#IPL #Bowling #unit #tactical #tinkering #Praful #Sakib #brilliance #SRH #coach #Vettori">

IPL 2026: Bowling unit will need tactical tinkering despite Praful, Sakib brilliance, says SRH coach Vettori Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain announced themselves in emphatic fashion on their Sunrisers Hyderabad debuts, picking up four wickets each against Rajasthan Royals and easing long-standing concerns around the team’s bowling.Praful made an immediate impact with a searing opening spell, the 24-year-old dismantling the top order with three wickets in a single over. Sakib matched him with a composed, disciplined effort, ensuring the pressure never relented. Together, they provided the sharpness with the ball that Sunrisers had long been searching for.Head coach Daniel Vettori, while encouraged by the performance against the Royals, suggested that adjustments could still be made based on how conditions play out.“We’re playing on the same wicket as the last game. We’re anticipating it to be slightly different and that means we may have to make some tactical changes,” he said.Vettori also downplayed concerns over modest returns from openers Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma.“Every opening partnership aims to be ultra-aggressive, but it’s unrealistic to expect that to come off every time. We want to stick with that approach because when those two fire, we usually win,” he said.ALSO READ | Prabhsimran Singh’s promise edges towards fulfilment at Punjab Kings“We’ve got a strong batting line-up behind them, and they’ve stepped up when the opening stand hasn’t delivered. But when it clicks, it’s one of the best partnerships in the competition. Other teams play in a similar way, so we know how important it is and want them to keep that freedom.”He also confirmed that Pat Cummins could make his first appearance of the season for SRH against the Rajasthan Royals on April 25.Published on Apr 17, 2026 #IPL #Bowling #unit #tactical #tinkering #Praful #Sakib #brilliance #SRH #coach #Vettori

April 17, 2026

Sports news

Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain announced themselves in emphatic fashion on their Sunrisers Hyderabad debuts, picking up four wickets each against Rajasthan Royals and easing long-standing concerns around the team’s bowling.
Praful made an immediate impact with a searing opening spell, the 24-year-old dismantling the top order with three wickets in a single over. Sakib matched him with a composed, disciplined effort, ensuring the pressure never relented. Together, they provided the sharpness with the ball that Sunrisers had long been searching for.
Head coach Daniel Vettori, while encouraged by the performance against the Royals, suggested that adjustments could still be made based on how conditions play out.
“We’re playing on the same wicket as the last game. We’re anticipating it to be slightly different and that means we may have to make some tactical changes,” he said.
Vettori also downplayed concerns over modest returns from openers Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma.
“Every opening partnership aims to be ultra-aggressive, but it’s unrealistic to expect that to come off every time. We want to stick with that approach because when those two fire, we usually win,” he said.
ALSO READ | Prabhsimran Singh’s promise edges towards fulfilment at Punjab Kings
“We’ve got a strong batting line-up behind them, and they’ve stepped up when the opening stand hasn’t delivered. But when it clicks, it’s one of the best partnerships in the competition. Other teams play in a similar way, so we know how important it is and want them to keep that freedom.”
He also confirmed that Pat Cummins could make his first appearance of the season for SRH against the Rajasthan Royals on April 25.
Published on Apr 17, 2026

#IPL #Bowling #unit #tactical #tinkering #Praful #Sakib #brilliance #SRH #coach #Vettori">IPL 2026: Bowling unit will need tactical tinkering despite Praful, Sakib brilliance, says SRH coach Vettori

Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain announced themselves in emphatic fashion on their Sunrisers Hyderabad debuts, picking up four wickets each against Rajasthan Royals and easing long-standing concerns around the team’s bowling.

Praful made an immediate impact with a searing opening spell, the 24-year-old dismantling the top order with three wickets in a single over. Sakib matched him with a composed, disciplined effort, ensuring the pressure never relented. Together, they provided the sharpness with the ball that Sunrisers had long been searching for.

Head coach Daniel Vettori, while encouraged by the performance against the Royals, suggested that adjustments could still be made based on how conditions play out.

“We’re playing on the same wicket as the last game. We’re anticipating it to be slightly different and that means we may have to make some tactical changes,” he said.

Vettori also downplayed concerns over modest returns from openers Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma.

“Every opening partnership aims to be ultra-aggressive, but it’s unrealistic to expect that to come off every time. We want to stick with that approach because when those two fire, we usually win,” he said.

ALSO READ | Prabhsimran Singh’s promise edges towards fulfilment at Punjab Kings

“We’ve got a strong batting line-up behind them, and they’ve stepped up when the opening stand hasn’t delivered. But when it clicks, it’s one of the best partnerships in the competition. Other teams play in a similar way, so we know how important it is and want them to keep that freedom.”

He also confirmed that Pat Cummins could make his first appearance of the season for SRH against the Rajasthan Royals on April 25.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#IPL #Bowling #unit #tactical #tinkering #Praful #Sakib #brilliance #SRH #coach #Vettori

Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain announced themselves in emphatic fashion on their Sunrisers Hyderabad debuts,…

Ruturaj Gaikwad has endured a difficult start to the season, managing just 63 runs, averaging just 12.60 with three single-digit scores and a venture beyond the 20s. His partner Sanju Samson suffered similar returns before a sublime unbeaten hundred at Chepauk turned the tide.

Ayush Mhatre at No. 3, meanwhile, has effortlessly accumulated 171 runs, including two fifties, at an average of 34.20, striking at 170 in the PowerPlay. The youngster successfully stepped into an injured Ruturaj’s shoes last season.

That, coupled with the CSK skipper’s dwindling returns, has fanned the whispers calling for a reshuffle at the top for the five-time champion, but head coach Stephen Fleming remains unconvinced.

“He hasn’t had the returns that he would like, but that can be the nature of T20. We’ve seen over the years that he’s a quality player. If we can cover for him for a few games and he comes into form… Very rarely someone dominates the whole way.”

ALSO READ | Hitting the hard length has been my strength, says Josh Hazlewood

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s charged-up bowling pool lineup will hope to make that task harder for the Super Kings. Fleming was left impressed by the team’s resilience against Rajasthan Royals.

“SRH fought back really well to give themselves a chance against RR. We’d love to have Hyderabad in that situation, but it’ll take a lot of work. Their top order is dynamic. How we deal with that will be one of the key components, because they can take the game away from you very quickly.”

M.S. Dhoni’s availability remains a mystery, with a tight-lipped Fleming saying he is “happy with Dhoni’s recovery.”

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#IPL #Gaikwads #lack #returns #due #nature #T20 #cricket #CSK #coach #Fleming">

IPL 2026: Gaikwad’s lack of returns due to nature of T20 cricket, says CSK coach Fleming Ruturaj Gaikwad has endured a difficult start to the season, managing just 63 runs, averaging just 12.60 with three single-digit scores and a venture beyond the 20s. His partner Sanju Samson suffered similar returns before a sublime unbeaten hundred at Chepauk turned the tide. Ayush Mhatre at No. 3, meanwhile, has effortlessly accumulated 171 runs, including two fifties, at an average of 34.20, striking at 170 in the PowerPlay. The youngster successfully stepped into an injured Ruturaj’s shoes last season. That, coupled with the CSK skipper’s dwindling returns, has fanned the whispers calling for a reshuffle at the top for the five-time champion, but head coach Stephen Fleming remains unconvinced. “He hasn’t had the returns that he would like, but that can be the nature of T20. We’ve seen over the years that he’s a quality player. If we can cover for him for a few games and he comes into form… Very rarely someone dominates the whole way.”ALSO READ | Hitting the hard length has been my strength, says Josh HazlewoodSunrisers Hyderabad’s charged-up bowling pool lineup will hope to make that task harder for the Super Kings. Fleming was left impressed by the team’s resilience against Rajasthan Royals.“SRH fought back really well to give themselves a chance against RR. We’d love to have Hyderabad in that situation, but it’ll take a lot of work. Their top order is dynamic. How we deal with that will be one of the key components, because they can take the game away from you very quickly.”M.S. Dhoni’s availability remains a mystery, with a tight-lipped Fleming saying he is “happy with Dhoni’s recovery.”Published on Apr 17, 2026 #IPL #Gaikwads #lack #returns #due #nature #T20 #cricket #CSK #coach #Fleming

April 17, 2026

Sports news

Ruturaj Gaikwad has endured a difficult start to the season, managing just 63 runs, averaging just 12.60 with three single-digit scores and a venture beyond the 20s. His partner Sanju Samson suffered similar returns before a sublime unbeaten hundred at Chepauk turned the tide.
Ayush Mhatre at No. 3, meanwhile, has effortlessly accumulated 171 runs, including two fifties, at an average of 34.20, striking at 170 in the PowerPlay. The youngster successfully stepped into an injured Ruturaj’s shoes last season.
That, coupled with the CSK skipper’s dwindling returns, has fanned the whispers calling for a reshuffle at the top for the five-time champion, but head coach Stephen Fleming remains unconvinced.
“He hasn’t had the returns that he would like, but that can be the nature of T20. We’ve seen over the years that he’s a quality player. If we can cover for him for a few games and he comes into form… Very rarely someone dominates the whole way.”
ALSO READ | Hitting the hard length has been my strength, says Josh Hazlewood
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s charged-up bowling pool lineup will hope to make that task harder for the Super Kings. Fleming was left impressed by the team’s resilience against Rajasthan Royals.
“SRH fought back really well to give themselves a chance against RR. We’d love to have Hyderabad in that situation, but it’ll take a lot of work. Their top order is dynamic. How we deal with that will be one of the key components, because they can take the game away from you very quickly.”
M.S. Dhoni’s availability remains a mystery, with a tight-lipped Fleming saying he is “happy with Dhoni’s recovery.”
Published on Apr 17, 2026

#IPL #Gaikwads #lack #returns #due #nature #T20 #cricket #CSK #coach #Fleming">IPL 2026: Gaikwad’s lack of returns due to nature of T20 cricket, says CSK coach Fleming

Ruturaj Gaikwad has endured a difficult start to the season, managing just 63 runs, averaging just 12.60 with three single-digit scores and a venture beyond the 20s. His partner Sanju Samson suffered similar returns before a sublime unbeaten hundred at Chepauk turned the tide.

Ayush Mhatre at No. 3, meanwhile, has effortlessly accumulated 171 runs, including two fifties, at an average of 34.20, striking at 170 in the PowerPlay. The youngster successfully stepped into an injured Ruturaj’s shoes last season.

That, coupled with the CSK skipper’s dwindling returns, has fanned the whispers calling for a reshuffle at the top for the five-time champion, but head coach Stephen Fleming remains unconvinced.

“He hasn’t had the returns that he would like, but that can be the nature of T20. We’ve seen over the years that he’s a quality player. If we can cover for him for a few games and he comes into form… Very rarely someone dominates the whole way.”

ALSO READ | Hitting the hard length has been my strength, says Josh Hazlewood

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s charged-up bowling pool lineup will hope to make that task harder for the Super Kings. Fleming was left impressed by the team’s resilience against Rajasthan Royals.

“SRH fought back really well to give themselves a chance against RR. We’d love to have Hyderabad in that situation, but it’ll take a lot of work. Their top order is dynamic. How we deal with that will be one of the key components, because they can take the game away from you very quickly.”

M.S. Dhoni’s availability remains a mystery, with a tight-lipped Fleming saying he is “happy with Dhoni’s recovery.”

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#IPL #Gaikwads #lack #returns #due #nature #T20 #cricket #CSK #coach #Fleming

Ruturaj Gaikwad has endured a difficult start to the season, managing just 63 runs, averaging…

Royal Challengers Bengaluru, oftentimes slow starters, has shot off the blocks this time around. With four wins in five outings, RCB has laid claim to being early favourites to grab the IPL 2026 title.

On Saturday, Delhi Capitals faces the arduous task of stopping RCB’s run.

DC will look to Karnataka’s own, K.L. Rahul, to show the way. Rahul has deflated RCB at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium once before, with a match-winning unbeaten 93 here last year.

Rahul, opening partner Pathum Nissanka, David Miller and the visiting batters will have to contend with a well-oiled RCB bowling unit.

Lucknow Super Giants had no answers in the previous fixture here, crumbling for 146. While Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood and Krunal Pandya have proved their worth time and again, RCB has found a new jewel in pacer Rasikh Salam, who picked up four wickets on Wednesday.

ALSO READ | Bowling unit will need tactical tinkering despite Praful, Sakib brilliance, says SRH coach Vettori

On the batting front, RCB’s leading run-scorer Virat Kohli is expected to feature as an impact player once again. Kohli, who injured his ankle, is unlikely to risk fielding duties.

The DC bowlers, who have conceded scores in excess of 200 in the last two games, will find it hard to contain a marauding RCB line-up of Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Jitesh Sharma and Tim David.

DC head coach Hemang Badani is optimistic that a turnaround in fortunes is just around the corner. “We lost a close game,” Badani said, referring to his side’s one-run loss to Gujarat Titans last week. “But in the last match, at Chepauk, we at least got 180 to 190. It is a question of one of our batters coming good, and we will be okay.”

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#RCB #IPL #Delhi #Capitals #stop #marauding #Royal #Challengers #Bengaluru">

RCB vs DC, IPL 2026: Delhi Capitals looks to stop marauding Royal Challengers Bengaluru Royal Challengers Bengaluru, oftentimes slow starters, has shot off the blocks this time around. With four wins in five outings, RCB has laid claim to being early favourites to grab the IPL 2026 title.On Saturday, Delhi Capitals faces the arduous task of stopping RCB’s run.DC will look to Karnataka’s own, K.L. Rahul, to show the way. Rahul has deflated RCB at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium once before, with a match-winning unbeaten 93 here last year.Rahul, opening partner Pathum Nissanka, David Miller and the visiting batters will have to contend with a well-oiled RCB bowling unit.Lucknow Super Giants had no answers in the previous fixture here, crumbling for 146. While Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood and Krunal Pandya have proved their worth time and again, RCB has found a new jewel in pacer Rasikh Salam, who picked up four wickets on Wednesday.ALSO READ | Bowling unit will need tactical tinkering despite Praful, Sakib brilliance, says SRH coach VettoriOn the batting front, RCB’s leading run-scorer Virat Kohli is expected to feature as an impact player once again. Kohli, who injured his ankle, is unlikely to risk fielding duties.The DC bowlers, who have conceded scores in excess of 200 in the last two games, will find it hard to contain a marauding RCB line-up of Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Jitesh Sharma and Tim David.DC head coach Hemang Badani is optimistic that a turnaround in fortunes is just around the corner. “We lost a close game,” Badani said, referring to his side’s one-run loss to Gujarat Titans last week. “But in the last match, at Chepauk, we at least got 180 to 190. It is a question of one of our batters coming good, and we will be okay.”Published on Apr 17, 2026 #RCB #IPL #Delhi #Capitals #stop #marauding #Royal #Challengers #Bengaluru

April 17, 2026

Sports news

Royal Challengers Bengaluru, oftentimes slow starters, has shot off the blocks this time around. With four wins in five outings, RCB has laid claim to being early favourites to grab the IPL 2026 title.
On Saturday, Delhi Capitals faces the arduous task of stopping RCB’s run.
DC will look to Karnataka’s own, K.L. Rahul, to show the way. Rahul has deflated RCB at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium once before, with a match-winning unbeaten 93 here last year.
Rahul, opening partner Pathum Nissanka, David Miller and the visiting batters will have to contend with a well-oiled RCB bowling unit.
Lucknow Super Giants had no answers in the previous fixture here, crumbling for 146. While Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood and Krunal Pandya have proved their worth time and again, RCB has found a new jewel in pacer Rasikh Salam, who picked up four wickets on Wednesday.
ALSO READ | Bowling unit will need tactical tinkering despite Praful, Sakib brilliance, says SRH coach Vettori
On the batting front, RCB’s leading run-scorer Virat Kohli is expected to feature as an impact player once again. Kohli, who injured his ankle, is unlikely to risk fielding duties.
The DC bowlers, who have conceded scores in excess of 200 in the last two games, will find it hard to contain a marauding RCB line-up of Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Jitesh Sharma and Tim David.
DC head coach Hemang Badani is optimistic that a turnaround in fortunes is just around the corner. “We lost a close game,” Badani said, referring to his side’s one-run loss to Gujarat Titans last week. “But in the last match, at Chepauk, we at least got 180 to 190. It is a question of one of our batters coming good, and we will be okay.”
Published on Apr 17, 2026

#RCB #IPL #Delhi #Capitals #stop #marauding #Royal #Challengers #Bengaluru">RCB vs DC, IPL 2026: Delhi Capitals looks to stop marauding Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Royal Challengers Bengaluru, oftentimes slow starters, has shot off the blocks this time around. With four wins in five outings, RCB has laid claim to being early favourites to grab the IPL 2026 title.

On Saturday, Delhi Capitals faces the arduous task of stopping RCB’s run.

DC will look to Karnataka’s own, K.L. Rahul, to show the way. Rahul has deflated RCB at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium once before, with a match-winning unbeaten 93 here last year.

Rahul, opening partner Pathum Nissanka, David Miller and the visiting batters will have to contend with a well-oiled RCB bowling unit.

Lucknow Super Giants had no answers in the previous fixture here, crumbling for 146. While Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood and Krunal Pandya have proved their worth time and again, RCB has found a new jewel in pacer Rasikh Salam, who picked up four wickets on Wednesday.

ALSO READ | Bowling unit will need tactical tinkering despite Praful, Sakib brilliance, says SRH coach Vettori

On the batting front, RCB’s leading run-scorer Virat Kohli is expected to feature as an impact player once again. Kohli, who injured his ankle, is unlikely to risk fielding duties.

The DC bowlers, who have conceded scores in excess of 200 in the last two games, will find it hard to contain a marauding RCB line-up of Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Jitesh Sharma and Tim David.

DC head coach Hemang Badani is optimistic that a turnaround in fortunes is just around the corner. “We lost a close game,” Badani said, referring to his side’s one-run loss to Gujarat Titans last week. “But in the last match, at Chepauk, we at least got 180 to 190. It is a question of one of our batters coming good, and we will be okay.”

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#RCB #IPL #Delhi #Capitals #stop #marauding #Royal #Challengers #Bengaluru

Royal Challengers Bengaluru, oftentimes slow starters, has shot off the blocks this time around. With…

Rajasthan Royals manager Romi Bhinder has been fined Rs 1 lakh and given a warning by the BCCI’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) for using a mobile phone inside the dugout during his team’s Indian Premier League match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati last week.

“The BCCI ACSU was not satisfied with the Bhinder’s response (to the showcause notice). As it is his first breach, so under the protocols, he has been fined an amount (of Rs 1 lakh) and also handed a warning, clearly mentioning that he needs to be more careful in the future,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told Sportstar.

The decision came after the BCCI issued a show-cause notice to Bhinder to explain his position. “The rules are set clearly for all the stakeholders, including the players and the staff, and we hope this incident will be taken as a deterrent by everyone,” Saikia added.

Footage of the incident, showing Bhinder on his phone with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi seated beside him, quickly went viral on social media, prompting the ACSU to take cognisance.

READ | Living on the edge—The risk and reward of the wide yorker

According to the IPL’s official guidelines under the PMOA protocol, no one is allowed to use mobile phones in the dugout area. Only the team managers and media managers can use their devices, but even they are restricted to inside the dressing room, not the dugout.

Ahead of every season, the IPL conducts mandatory briefings for team captains and managers, taking them through the PMOA framework and anti-corruption protocols.

Bhinder, a long-serving figure with Rajasthan Royals, has been part of that system for years. During the franchise’s suspension between 2016 and 2018, he also worked with Rising Pune Supergiant as team manager before returning to his old franchise in 2018.

The Royals will take on Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on Sunday.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#IPL #Rajasthan #Royals #manager #Bhinder #fined #lakh #warned #BCCIs #ACSU #dugout #phone">

IPL 2026: Rajasthan Royals manager Bhinder fined Rs 1 lakh, warned by BCCI’s ACSU over dugout phone use Rajasthan Royals manager Romi Bhinder has been fined Rs 1 lakh and given a warning by the BCCI’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) for using a mobile phone inside the dugout during his team’s Indian Premier League match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati last week.“The BCCI ACSU was not satisfied with the Bhinder’s response (to the showcause notice). As it is his first breach, so under the protocols, he has been fined an amount (of Rs 1 lakh) and also handed a warning, clearly mentioning that he needs to be more careful in the future,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told Sportstar.The decision came after the BCCI issued a show-cause notice to Bhinder to explain his position. “The rules are set clearly for all the stakeholders, including the players and the staff, and we hope this incident will be taken as a deterrent by everyone,” Saikia added.Footage of the incident, showing Bhinder on his phone with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi seated beside him, quickly went viral on social media, prompting the ACSU to take cognisance.READ | Living on the edge—The risk and reward of the wide yorkerAccording to the IPL’s official guidelines under the PMOA protocol, no one is allowed to use mobile phones in the dugout area. Only the team managers and media managers can use their devices, but even they are restricted to inside the dressing room, not the dugout.Ahead of every season, the IPL conducts mandatory briefings for team captains and managers, taking them through the PMOA framework and anti-corruption protocols.Bhinder, a long-serving figure with Rajasthan Royals, has been part of that system for years. During the franchise’s suspension between 2016 and 2018, he also worked with Rising Pune Supergiant as team manager before returning to his old franchise in 2018.The Royals will take on Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on Sunday.Published on Apr 17, 2026 #IPL #Rajasthan #Royals #manager #Bhinder #fined #lakh #warned #BCCIs #ACSU #dugout #phone

April 17, 2026

Sports news

Rajasthan Royals manager Romi Bhinder has been fined Rs 1 lakh and given a warning by the BCCI’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) for using a mobile phone inside the dugout during his team’s Indian Premier League match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati last week.
“The BCCI ACSU was not satisfied with the Bhinder’s response (to the showcause notice). As it is his first breach, so under the protocols, he has been fined an amount (of Rs 1 lakh) and also handed a warning, clearly mentioning that he needs to be more careful in the future,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told Sportstar.
The decision came after the BCCI issued a show-cause notice to Bhinder to explain his position. “The rules are set clearly for all the stakeholders, including the players and the staff, and we hope this incident will be taken as a deterrent by everyone,” Saikia added.
Footage of the incident, showing Bhinder on his phone with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi seated beside him, quickly went viral on social media, prompting the ACSU to take cognisance.
READ | Living on the edge—The risk and reward of the wide yorker
According to the IPL’s official guidelines under the PMOA protocol, no one is allowed to use mobile phones in the dugout area. Only the team managers and media managers can use their devices, but even they are restricted to inside the dressing room, not the dugout.
Ahead of every season, the IPL conducts mandatory briefings for team captains and managers, taking them through the PMOA framework and anti-corruption protocols.
Bhinder, a long-serving figure with Rajasthan Royals, has been part of that system for years. During the franchise’s suspension between 2016 and 2018, he also worked with Rising Pune Supergiant as team manager before returning to his old franchise in 2018.
The Royals will take on Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on Sunday.
Published on Apr 17, 2026

#IPL #Rajasthan #Royals #manager #Bhinder #fined #lakh #warned #BCCIs #ACSU #dugout #phone">IPL 2026: Rajasthan Royals manager Bhinder fined Rs 1 lakh, warned by BCCI’s ACSU over dugout phone use

Rajasthan Royals manager Romi Bhinder has been fined Rs 1 lakh and given a warning by the BCCI’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) for using a mobile phone inside the dugout during his team’s Indian Premier League match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati last week.

“The BCCI ACSU was not satisfied with the Bhinder’s response (to the showcause notice). As it is his first breach, so under the protocols, he has been fined an amount (of Rs 1 lakh) and also handed a warning, clearly mentioning that he needs to be more careful in the future,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told Sportstar.

The decision came after the BCCI issued a show-cause notice to Bhinder to explain his position. “The rules are set clearly for all the stakeholders, including the players and the staff, and we hope this incident will be taken as a deterrent by everyone,” Saikia added.

Footage of the incident, showing Bhinder on his phone with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi seated beside him, quickly went viral on social media, prompting the ACSU to take cognisance.

READ | Living on the edge—The risk and reward of the wide yorker

According to the IPL’s official guidelines under the PMOA protocol, no one is allowed to use mobile phones in the dugout area. Only the team managers and media managers can use their devices, but even they are restricted to inside the dressing room, not the dugout.

Ahead of every season, the IPL conducts mandatory briefings for team captains and managers, taking them through the PMOA framework and anti-corruption protocols.

Bhinder, a long-serving figure with Rajasthan Royals, has been part of that system for years. During the franchise’s suspension between 2016 and 2018, he also worked with Rising Pune Supergiant as team manager before returning to his old franchise in 2018.

The Royals will take on Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on Sunday.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#IPL #Rajasthan #Royals #manager #Bhinder #fined #lakh #warned #BCCIs #ACSU #dugout #phone

Rajasthan Royals manager Romi Bhinder has been fined Rs 1 lakh and given a warning…

Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya was left searching for answers after yet another Indian Premier League (IPL) defeat — a seven-wicket drubbing at the hands of Punjab Kings — and admitted that his team needed to go back to the drawing board to identify its shortcomings, while hinting that some tough calls could be taken in the upcoming matches.

Mumbai Indians has lost four of its five matches and is languishing in ninth place with just two points, while Punjab Kings sits atop the table with an unbeaten run, having collected nine points so far.

Despite a much-improved showing from Mumbai Indians, powered by Quinton de Kock’s unbeaten 112 off 60 balls to post 195 for six, it proved insufficient against a rampant Punjab Kings side.

Punjab chased down the target in just 16.3 overs for the loss of three wickets, with breakout opener Prabhsimran Singh continuing his fine form with an unbeaten 80 off 39 balls, while captain Shreyas Iyer hammered a 35-ball 66.

“To be very honest, I don’t have much to say right now. I think we really need to go back to the drawing board and see where we are lacking. Is it individuals? Is it as a group? Is it planning? We’ll just figure it out and see what we can do next,” said Pandya after another morale-shattering loss.

“No, I think we need to see, do we need to make some difficult calls, or do we need to keep continuing and hope that we’ll turn things around. These are some harsh questions which eventually we need to answer, and yeah, ownership has to be taken.”

Pandya also credited the opposition team for out-thinking the home side in all departments of the game.

“I think we need to give credit to them as well. The ball started reversing. In the second innings, the dew came, and it slightly got better, but having said that, they just outbeat us. They bowled better, they batted better, they fielded better definitely.

Iyer said staying grounded has helped the side execute its plans with precision.

“Certainly confident and optimistic the way we have been playing. Also we have our heads on our shoulder. I am glad that today we came out and got that victory,” said Iyer.

He also praised the coming-of-age of Prabhsimran, noting that the opener has consistently provided fluent starts and on Thursday carried the team through with an unbeaten knock.

“He (Prabhsimran) has certainly raised up his bar, even though he was getting runs, he was giving us excellent starts, this year he has been more mature, match by match he is getting more mature,” added Iyer.

Prabhsimran said self-belief helped him overcome a lean phase in the PowerPlay and take on the bowling more aggressively later in the innings.

“I was just believing in myself because in the PowerPlay, I didn’t get many balls to play. I think I played 6-7 balls in the PowerPlay. But then, in my mind, I thought that if I take a little longer, I will be able to play (better). So, I kept believing in myself that I would do it, and I did it. I just had this in mind that I will play the anchor,” added Prabhsmiran.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#IPL #difficult #calls #Hardik #Pandya #Mumbai #Indians #suffers #fourth #consecutive #loss">

IPL 2026: ‘We need to make some difficult calls,’ says Hardik Pandya after Mumbai Indians suffers fourth consecutive loss Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya was left searching for answers after yet another Indian Premier League (IPL) defeat — a seven-wicket drubbing at the hands of Punjab Kings — and admitted that his team needed to go back to the drawing board to identify its shortcomings, while hinting that some tough calls could be taken in the upcoming matches.Mumbai Indians has lost four of its five matches and is languishing in ninth place with just two points, while Punjab Kings sits atop the table with an unbeaten run, having collected nine points so far.Despite a much-improved showing from Mumbai Indians, powered by Quinton de Kock’s unbeaten 112 off 60 balls to post 195 for six, it proved insufficient against a rampant Punjab Kings side.Punjab chased down the target in just 16.3 overs for the loss of three wickets, with breakout opener Prabhsimran Singh continuing his fine form with an unbeaten 80 off 39 balls, while captain Shreyas Iyer hammered a 35-ball 66.“To be very honest, I don’t have much to say right now. I think we really need to go back to the drawing board and see where we are lacking. Is it individuals? Is it as a group? Is it planning? We’ll just figure it out and see what we can do next,” said Pandya after another morale-shattering loss.“No, I think we need to see, do we need to make some difficult calls, or do we need to keep continuing and hope that we’ll turn things around. These are some harsh questions which eventually we need to answer, and yeah, ownership has to be taken.”Pandya also credited the opposition team for out-thinking the home side in all departments of the game.“I think we need to give credit to them as well. The ball started reversing. In the second innings, the dew came, and it slightly got better, but having said that, they just outbeat us. They bowled better, they batted better, they fielded better definitely.Iyer said staying grounded has helped the side execute its plans with precision.“Certainly confident and optimistic the way we have been playing. Also we have our heads on our shoulder. I am glad that today we came out and got that victory,” said Iyer.He also praised the coming-of-age of Prabhsimran, noting that the opener has consistently provided fluent starts and on Thursday carried the team through with an unbeaten knock.“He (Prabhsimran) has certainly raised up his bar, even though he was getting runs, he was giving us excellent starts, this year he has been more mature, match by match he is getting more mature,” added Iyer.Prabhsimran said self-belief helped him overcome a lean phase in the PowerPlay and take on the bowling more aggressively later in the innings.“I was just believing in myself because in the PowerPlay, I didn’t get many balls to play. I think I played 6-7 balls in the PowerPlay. But then, in my mind, I thought that if I take a little longer, I will be able to play (better). So, I kept believing in myself that I would do it, and I did it. I just had this in mind that I will play the anchor,” added Prabhsmiran.Published on Apr 17, 2026 #IPL #difficult #calls #Hardik #Pandya #Mumbai #Indians #suffers #fourth #consecutive #loss

April 17, 2026

Sports news

Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya was left searching for answers after yet another Indian Premier League (IPL) defeat — a seven-wicket drubbing at the hands of Punjab Kings — and admitted that his team needed to go back to the drawing board to identify its shortcomings, while hinting that some tough calls could be taken in the upcoming matches.
Mumbai Indians has lost four of its five matches and is languishing in ninth place with just two points, while Punjab Kings sits atop the table with an unbeaten run, having collected nine points so far.
Despite a much-improved showing from Mumbai Indians, powered by Quinton de Kock’s unbeaten 112 off 60 balls to post 195 for six, it proved insufficient against a rampant Punjab Kings side.
Punjab chased down the target in just 16.3 overs for the loss of three wickets, with breakout opener Prabhsimran Singh continuing his fine form with an unbeaten 80 off 39 balls, while captain Shreyas Iyer hammered a 35-ball 66.
“To be very honest, I don’t have much to say right now. I think we really need to go back to the drawing board and see where we are lacking. Is it individuals? Is it as a group? Is it planning? We’ll just figure it out and see what we can do next,” said Pandya after another morale-shattering loss.
“No, I think we need to see, do we need to make some difficult calls, or do we need to keep continuing and hope that we’ll turn things around. These are some harsh questions which eventually we need to answer, and yeah, ownership has to be taken.”
Pandya also credited the opposition team for out-thinking the home side in all departments of the game.
“I think we need to give credit to them as well. The ball started reversing. In the second innings, the dew came, and it slightly got better, but having said that, they just outbeat us. They bowled better, they batted better, they fielded better definitely.
Iyer said staying grounded has helped the side execute its plans with precision.
“Certainly confident and optimistic the way we have been playing. Also we have our heads on our shoulder. I am glad that today we came out and got that victory,” said Iyer.
He also praised the coming-of-age of Prabhsimran, noting that the opener has consistently provided fluent starts and on Thursday carried the team through with an unbeaten knock.
“He (Prabhsimran) has certainly raised up his bar, even though he was getting runs, he was giving us excellent starts, this year he has been more mature, match by match he is getting more mature,” added Iyer.
Prabhsimran said self-belief helped him overcome a lean phase in the PowerPlay and take on the bowling more aggressively later in the innings.
“I was just believing in myself because in the PowerPlay, I didn’t get many balls to play. I think I played 6-7 balls in the PowerPlay. But then, in my mind, I thought that if I take a little longer, I will be able to play (better). So, I kept believing in myself that I would do it, and I did it. I just had this in mind that I will play the anchor,” added Prabhsmiran.
Published on Apr 17, 2026

#IPL #difficult #calls #Hardik #Pandya #Mumbai #Indians #suffers #fourth #consecutive #loss">IPL 2026: ‘We need to make some difficult calls,’ says Hardik Pandya after Mumbai Indians suffers fourth consecutive loss