Sunil Gavaskar lost his temper during commentary on Sunday after Royal Challengers Bengaluru called three medical stoppages in quick succession during the closing stages of their IPL 2026 clash against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. The former India captain criticised the decision-making, accusing RCB of wasting time, and argued that the bowler should have left the field for proper care and then returned later—while allowing another player to finish the over in the meantime.
How the incident unfolded in Mumbai’s chase
- The controversy began in the 16th over of Mumbai’s chase when fast bowler Rasikh Salam Dar pulled up during his run-up for the first delivery.
- With heat and humidity appearing to take a toll, Rasikh signalled for assistance and requested immediate attention as the physio rushed to the middle.
- RCB managed the first stoppage effectively, and Rasikh was able to resume quickly, though he soon faced discomfort again after being struck for a six by Sherfane Rutherford off the first ball of his return.
- The physio then returned to address the left leg, raising further concerns about delays and the impact on the over-rate.
- Rasikh responded by taking a wicket—dismissing Naman Dhir on the following ball—but he had to stop again after the fifth delivery due to cramps.
- With another break looming, Jitesh Sharma and captain Rajat Patidar stepped in to help stretch Rasikh’s leg while the physio was brought in for a third time.
The repeated interventions left Gavaskar visibly irritated. He felt RCB’s management should have directed Rasikh to leave the field for treatment and allowed a different bowler to complete the over, rather than extending the pause multiple times.
“Just go off the field, get treatment, and then come back. Whatever it is, the remaining deliveries should be bowled by another bowler. But again, now this is what—the third time the physio has come in. Are we going to see the same thing over and over again?” Gavaskar said during the broadcast.
- During Rasikh’s third spell of treatment, the on-field umpires looked toward the RCB dugout, where head coach Andy Flower was standing.
- Eventually, Rasikh was taken off, and Romario Shepherd completed the over.
- Rasikh returned for the final over, which Patidar initially intended for him to bowl.
- However, the umpires intervened, reminding RCB that the bowler was not eligible to deliver because he had not spent enough time back on the field after his injury break.
- Shepherd then bowled the last over for RCB.
Despite the mid-match chaos and Gavaskar’s criticism, RCB sealed the contest with an 18-run win in a high-scoring thriller.
