Sunil Gavaskar (left) Jitesh Sharma and captain Rajat Patidar visit bowler Rasikh Dar (Agency Image) Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar was visibly frustrated by comments made 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 the IPL 2026 match. He accused the team of slowing down the game and suggested that the player leave the field for treatment instead of repeatedly stopping play.The incident took place in the 16th over of Mumbai Indians’ chase when RCB paceman Rasikh Salam Dar appeared to be in trouble during the run-up before his first delivery. The extreme heat and humidity in Mumbai seemed to trigger the spasms and forced him to call a physio, leading to a brief stoppage.Although Rasikh was quick to his feet, he again experienced discomfort after being hit by a six from Sherfane Rutherford off the very next ball. The physio came out again to attend to his left leg, raising concerns about repeated delays and excessive pressure.Despite the setbacks, Rasikh managed to strike back by dismissing Naman Dhir on the next delivery. However, he went down again later in the over after the fifth ball, once again due to cramps. This time, Jitesh Sharma and captain Rajat Patidar came in to help with the stretching before the physio arrived for the third intervention.The repeated interruptions frustrated Gavaskar, who felt that RCB should have taken a different approach. “Just walk off the field, get treatment and then come back. Whatever it is, the remaining deliveries should be bowled by another pitcher. But again, this is it – the third time the physio has come in. Are we going to see the same thing again and again?” he said on air.As Rasikh continued his treatment, the on-field umpires were seen looking towards the RCB dugout where head coach Andy Flower was standing. Eventually the pacer was pulled off the pitch and Romario Shepherd stepped in to complete the over.Rasikh later returned for the final over that Rajat Patidar had originally wanted him to bowl. However, the umpires halted the decision, pointing out that he was not yet fit to bowl again as he had not spent enough time on the field after the injury lay-off. Shepherd was then given the responsibility to finish the inning.In the end, RCB held their nerve to secure an 18-run victory in a high-scoring contest at the Wankhede.
