‘Just go off the field’: Sunil Gavaskar loses cool over RCB in heated MI clash
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar voiced his displeasure during a Royal Challengers Bengaluru match. He felt the team excessively used medical time-outs, slowing down play. Gavaskar suggested players should receive treatment off the field.
This incident occurred during Mumbai Indians' chase at the Wankhede Stadium. Royal Challengers Bengaluru ultimately won the match by 18 runs.
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar was visibly frustrated on commentary during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s clash against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, after RCB took three medical time-outs in the closing stages of their IPL 2026 match. He accused the team of slowing the game down and suggested the player should leave the field for treatment instead of repeatedly stopping play. The incident took place in the 16th over of Mumbai Indians’ chase when RCB pacer Rasikh Salam Dar appeared to struggle during his run-up before the first delivery.
The extreme heat and humidity in Mumbai seemed to trigger cramps, forcing him to call for the physio, leading to a brief stoppage. Although Rasikh quickly got back on his feet, he again experienced discomfort after being hit for a six by Sherfane Rutherford off the very next ball. The physio once again came out to attend to his left leg, raising concerns over repeated delays and over-rate pressure.
Despite the setbacks, Rasikh managed to strike back by dismissing Naman Dhir on the following delivery. However, he went down again later in the over after the fifth ball, once more due to cramps. This time, Jitesh Sharma and captain Rajat Patidar stepped in to assist with stretching before the physio arrived for a third intervention.