Star RCB batter fined 30% match fee for offensive gesture during RCB vs MI IPL 2026 clash in Raipur

The star player of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Tim David, has been fined 30% of his match fees and handed two demerit points for breaching the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 Code of Conduct during their clash against the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur. 

David was found guilty of violating Article 2.6 of the IPL rules and regulations, which relates to ‘showing an offensive gesture’ during the encounter. The incident reportedly took place after their thrilling victory against the five-time champions as they moved to the top of the points table.

Tim David handed 2 demerit points for breaching IPL code of conduct Article 2.6

Towards the end of the game in Raipur, Tim David showed his middle finger to his former franchise. It’s not confirmed whether his gesture was directed at the franchise, a specific individual, or was simply a moment of raw emotions after a high-pressure contest.

Watch the video here: 

Being under pressure, Krunal Pandya, the Indian all-rounder, was taking them home single handedly. However, Davidwas dismissed for a golden duck.

Article 2.6 of the IPL Code of Conduct states, ‘without limitation, obscene gestures are not directed at another person. When assessing the seriousness of the breach, the following factors will be taken into account.

See Also: IPL 2026: Tim David penalised for ‘disobeying umpires’ during ball-testing controversy

Firstly, the context of the particular situation, secondly, whether the gesture is likely to be regarded as obscene, give offence, or insult another person- These are the two factors that come into the account.

But in the case of David, there is no confirmation. Yet such conduct is prohibited under the IPL Anti-Discrimination Code and must be dealt with according to the procedures. The Australian batter, who has smashed 232 runs in 10 innings of the IPL 2026 at an average of 46.40 and a blistering strike rate of 196.91 with one fifty, has been fined 30% of his match fee along with the two demerit points.

Viral middle-finger controversy: Tim David’s gesture towards former club MI sparks debate

David’s gesture against his former franchise has been controversial. He was part of the champion side for three seasons between 2022 and 2024 and had some good success with the bat. Coming as the replacement of Kieron Pollard in the playing XI, his best campaign was in 2024 when he drilled 241 runs at a strike rate of 158.55.

See Also: Watch: Virat Kohli out for a golden duck again! RCB stumble early chasing 167 against MI in IPL 2026

Earlier in this 2026 season, the veteran was fined 25% of his match fee and handed one demerit point for breaching Level 1 of the IPL Code of Conduct during the game against the same franchise at the Wankhede Stadium.

That means he is on three demerit points at the moment. One point in the three years will suspend him for a game, which the Bengaluru side won’t want. They will host the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for their next clash in Raipur.