IPL 2026: RR Manager Fined, Iyer’s Catch Stuns Sachin, Ponting Reveals PBKS Success Formula

The latest round of the Indian Premier League news has a mix of disciplinary action, moments of brilliance on the field, and insights into team culture, underlining why the tournament continues to dominate cricket headlines.

RR manager fined for dugout breach

In a regulatory setback for Rajasthan Royals, team manager Ravinder Singh Bhinder has been fined Rs 1 lakh for using a mobile phone inside the dugout during their IPL 2026 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on April 10.

Under the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) regulations, mobile phone use is strictly prohibited in the dugout, though permitted in the dressing room. Bhinder was found using a device during the 11th over of RR’s innings.

“Rajasthan Royals Team Manager, Ravinder Singh Bhinder, has been fined INR 1 Lakh for breaching the BCCI IPL PMOA Protocols during Match 16 between Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the ACA Stadium, Guwahati, on April 10, 2026. The breach relates to the use of a mobile phone in the team dugout, which is in contravention of Article 4.1.1 of the BCCI IPL PMOA Protocols,” the IPL said in a statement.

“Acknowledging the lapse, Mr Bhinder admitted to the offence and offered an unconditional apology. As this was his first breach under the prescribed protocols, a fine of INR 1 Lakh has been imposed in accordance with Article 7.42(a) of the BCCI IPL PMOA Protocols. He has also been warned to exercise greater care in the future and to adhere strictly to the established guidelines,” the statement added.

Despite the controversy, RR secured a six-wicket win, powered by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s explosive 78 off 26 balls, and currently sit third on the points table.

Tendulkar hails Iyer’s “one of the best” relay catches

A moment of sheer athletic brilliance lit up the clash between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians, as PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer pulled off a stunning relay catch to dismiss Hardik Pandya.

The effort, which involved catching the ball mid-air near the boundary and tossing it to teammate Xavier Bartlett before landing, drew high praise from cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar.

“What made Shreyas Iyer's catch so special was not just the athleticism, but the awareness behind it. He had to judge the speed of the ball, the height, where the boundary rope was, how close he was to stepping on it, and get his jump absolutely perfect. Then, while still in the air, he caught the ball and released it to a teammate before landing, all the while knowing exactly where that fielder was positioned. To process all of that in a split second takes unbelievable awareness, timing, fitness, and composure. @ShreyasIyer15 got everything spot on. One of the best catches I've ever seen live,” Tendulkar said.

PBKS went on to dominate the match, chasing down 195 with ease, led by Prabhsimran Singh’s unbeaten 80 and Iyer’s fluent 66, while MI slipped further down the table.

Ponting outlines PBKS’ winning mindset

Following Punjab’s commanding run this season, head coach Ricky Ponting shed light on the philosophy driving the team’s success.

“For me, it starts with creating the right environment where every player feels valued and on the same page. As a coach, I'm there to support and challenge them, not to control them. Even when they fail, they need to know that's part of the game,” Ponting said.

He emphasised the importance of clarity in roles and team culture in T20 cricket.

“In T20 cricket, you only need a few players to step up on any given day. So, it's about building a strong group with clearly defined roles. That was a big part of our auction strategy as well, getting the right people in to shape the culture. When players feel backed, like someone like Prabhsimran or Shashank, they respond with performances, and that's what ultimately drives results,” he added.

Punjab Kings remain the only unbeaten side this season, sitting atop the table with four wins and a no-result, highlighting the effectiveness of their approach.

(With inputs from ANI)