Mayank Rawat (IANS Photo)

Five-time champions Mumbai Indians slumped to their fourth successive defeat in the ongoing Indian Premier League on Thursday, continuing a worrying slide that has left them languishing at ninth in the 10-team IPL 2026 standings. Despite posting a competitive 195/6, powered by a sensational unbeaten 112 from Quinton de Kock, MI were comprehensively outplayed as Punjab Kings chased down the target in just 16.3 overs to seal a seven-wicket win.The defeat underlined the growing concerns in the Hardik Pandya-led camp, with little going right this season. After snapping a 14-year jinx by winning their opener, MI have managed just one win in five matches. Even spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has struggled, going wicketless so far — his longest such streak in T20 cricket.Amid the gloom, however, a new name quietly entered the MI playing XI — Mayank Rawat.A debut that barely made a rippleAt the toss, Pandya casually mentioned the inclusion: “We have a debutant, Mayank Rawat.” Yet, the announcement barely registered amid bigger talking points, including the absence of Rohit Sharma and de Kock opening the innings.Rawat’s debut turned out to be as low-key as the announcement. The 26-year-old walked in during the final over after the dismissal of Tilak Varma but did not face a single ball, ending on 0 not out. With the ball, the right-arm off-spinner wasn’t called upon either, as Punjab raced to victory with 21 balls to spare.It was a debut without a moment — rare in a league known for instant impact stories.The Mayank Rawat storyFor Rawat, though, the journey to this point has been anything but insignificant. A 26-year-old all-rounder from New Delhi, Rawat earned his chance after New Zealand all-rounder Mitchell Santner missed out due to illness.A product of Delhi’s cricketing system, Rawat has steadily climbed the ranks, catching the attention of MI scouts through consistent performances in domestic circuits, particularly the Delhi Premier League. Picked at his base price of Rs 30 lakh in the auction, he suddenly found himself sharing a dressing room with stars like de Kock, Rohit, Suryakumar Yadav and Afghanistan spinner AM Ghazanfar.Rawat’s cricketing roots trace back to 2011, when he began training under coach Rajesh Nagar. A promising talent early on, he made headlines in age-group cricket with knocks of 220 and 244, but consistent opportunities eluded him. Years of fluctuating form and limited chances followed, testing his persistence.His resurgence came through strong domestic performances, where he refined his all-round game and forced selectors to take notice.Thursday may not have given Rawat a moment to remember, but it marked the culmination of years of perseverance.

Rajasthan Royals team manager Romi Bhinder has been fined Rs 1 lakh and handed a strict warning by the Board of Control for Cricket in India for breaching Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) protocol during an IPL 2026 match.

Speaking to India Today, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the board’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) had sought an explanation from Bhinder after he was seen using a mobile phone in the dugout during Rajasthan Royals’ clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati.

Bhinder responded to the ACU’s queries, explaining the circumstances behind the incident. However, the explanation did not fully satisfy the unit, which subsequently recommended disciplinary action.

As a result, Bhinder has been directed to pay a fine of Rs 1 lakh and has also been warned against repeating such violations in future editions of the Indian Premier League. The BCCI reiterated that adherence to PMOA regulations is mandatory and any breach will invite strict action.

Phone use in dugout triggers action

The controversy emerged after TV cameras captured Bhinder using a mobile phone in the dugout during the match between Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.

Under IPL rules, mobile phones and other communication devices are strictly prohibited in the dugout, which falls under the PMOA’s controlled environment. All players and support staff are required to deposit their devices before entering the area, with limited exceptions granted only under specific conditions.

Bhinder’s actions were flagged as a breach of this protocol, prompting the ACU to step in and investigate the matter. While there was no indication of any corrupt intent, the use of a phone in a restricted area is treated seriously due to the potential risks it poses to the integrity of the game.

The BCCI’s swift action underscores its zero-tolerance approach towards violations of anti-corruption guidelines. Officials have consistently maintained that strict compliance with PMOA rules is essential to safeguard the sport from any undue influence.

With the matter now resolved, Rajasthan Royals will hope to move past the controversy and focus on their campaign in the ongoing IPL season.

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