Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter Tim David endured a tough day against his former franchise, Mumbai Indians, on Sunday. David was dismissed for a golden duck and spent the rest of the innings watching from the RCB dugout. Yet the match swung in RCB’s favour in a dramatic last-ball finish led by Rajat Patidar, and while David was clearly delighted to beat MI, a middle-finger gesture captured during the celebrations shocked many fans. Since the Australian has previously played for Mumbai Indians, the emotion of the moment was understandable—but that kind of reaction in the IPL created surprise.
Once the clip circulated widely on social media, it was not possible to independently confirm the video’s authenticity. It also remained unclear whether the gesture seen in the footage was made by David during the RCB vs MI clash in Raipur. As of now, no disciplinary response for the gesture has been announced by the BCCI or the IPL. RCB coach Andy Flower, however, did face punishment after an intense exchange with the fourth official, though there has not yet been any action reported against David himself.
Andy Flower fined, David spared in punishment
RCB head coach Andy Flower has been fined an amount equivalent to “15 per cent of his applicable match fee” after breaching Level 1 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials during the match.
In its statement, the league said Flower was found to have violated article 2.3 of the IPL Code of Conduct, which covers “use of an audible obscenity during a match.”
The situation arose in the 17.2 over, when Flower spoke aggressively to the fourth umpire following a disputed boundary decision involving Krunal Pandya.
Facing AM Ghazanfar, Krunal lofted the ball towards wide long-on. Naman Dhir moved near the ropes to take the catch and then appeared to deflect it towards Tilak Varma while stepping over the boundary line. Tilak did not complete the catch and looked to indicate that the ball had gone for six, possibly thinking Naman had brushed the boundary cushions while collecting the ball.
However, replays later suggested Dhir had not made any contact with the cushions during the attempt. Krunal, who was seen cramping up, did not attempt a run, and the delivery ultimately finished as a dot ball.
Under the IPL’s code, article 2.3 addresses “the use of words commonly known and understood to be offensive, obscene and/or profane (in any language) and which can be heard by the spectators and/or the viewing public whether by way of the stump-microphone or otherwise,” noting that such conduct can include swearing in frustration at one’s own play or fortune.
Flower admitted the breach and accepted the sanction handed down by match referee Amit Sharma.
