Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar lost his cool during commentary on Sunday after Royal Challengers Bengaluru took three medical time-outs in the final phase of their IPL 2026 match against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. Accusing RCB of time-wasting, Gavaskar urged the player to step off the field, get treatment, and return later.
The incident unfolded in the 16th over of Mumbai’s chase when fast bowler Rasikh Salam Dar pulled up during his run-up for the first ball. The heat and humidity in Mumbai appeared to cause cramps, prompting him to call for assistance as the physio rushed out. RCB effectively used a brief stoppage.
Although Rasikh was back on his feet quickly, he suffered discomfort again after being hit for a six by Sherfane Rutherford off the first delivery. The physio returned to work on his left leg, raising concerns over the slowing over-rate.
The pacer responded by dismissing Naman Dhir a ball later, but went down once more after the fifth delivery, again due to cramps. Jitesh Sharma and captain Rajat Patidar rushed in to help stretch his leg before the physio arrived for a third time.
The repeated stoppages left Gavaskar visibly frustrated, as he felt the RCB management should have asked Rasikh to leave the field, receive proper treatment, and allow another bowler to complete the over instead of prolonging delays.
“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?” he said on air.
As Rasikh received treatment for the third time, the on-field umpires glanced towards the RCB dugout, where head coach Andy Flower was on his feet. The bowler was eventually taken off, with Romario Shepherd completing the over.
Rasikh returned to the field before the final over, which Patidar initially intended him to bowl. However, the umpires intervened, reminding the team that he was ineligible to bowl as he had not spent sufficient time back on the field after his injury break. Shepherd ultimately bowled the final over.
RCB returned to winning ways with an 18-run victory in a high-scoring thriller.
