New Delhi: Day after its first victory in four matches in the ongoing IPL, there’s a set back for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad became the third skipper to be found guilty of breaching the IPL Code of Conduct this season. The team had defeated Delhi Capitals at Chepauk on Saturday.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) showed no leniency towards the Chennai captain. Ruturaj Gaikwad was fined after CSK maintained a slow over-rate during the match, violating Article 2.22 of the IPL Code of Conduct. The norm pertains to minimum over-rate violations. The CSK captain was fined Rs 12 lakh.
IPL 2026 has already seen multiple such instances. Shreyas Iyer was found guilty on two occasions, becoming the first offender of the season. His team Punjab Kings had maintained a slow over-rate against Gujarat Titans in New Chandigarh last month.
Iyer had breached the code again against Chennai on April 2. Iyer was fined Rs 24 lakh. Shubman Gill, captain of Gujarat Titans, was the other offender. He was found guilty during the match against Delhi Capitals on April 8.
“As this was his team’s first offence of the season under Article 2.22 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct, which pertains to minimum over-rate offences, Gaikwad was fined Rs 12 lakhs,” the IPL said in a statement.
Nitish Rana not spared
The BCCI also announced another sanction on Sunday. Delhi Capitals batter Nitish Rana was penalised for clashing with the umpire. He had clashed during the match against CSK. The incident occurred after the match official did not allow his teammate Tristan Stubbs to change his gloves in the 19th over. After that, he had lost his wicket.
Rana was fined 25% of his match fee.
Players Who Faced the Highest Fines in IPL History
- Harbhajan Singh (2008)
Fine/Punishment: Banned for the remainder of the season (effectively the biggest penalty).
Incident: Slapped Sreesanth during a match.
Impact: One of the most controversial moments in IPL history.
Significance: Though not purely monetary, the suspension cost him match fees and reputation.
- Andre Russell (2017)
Fine/Punishment: 1-year ban from IPL.
Reason: Violation of anti-doping whereabouts clause.
Impact: Missed an entire season, resulting in heavy financial loss.
Note: One of the costliest indirect fines due to suspension.
- Ravindra Jadeja (2010)
Fine/Punishment: 1-year ban.
Reason: Attempted to negotiate with another franchise while under contract.
Impact: Lost IPL salary for a full season.
Importance: Highlighted strict contract rules in IPL.
- Virat Kohli (Multiple Instances)
Fine: Up to 100% of match fee (over multiple offences).
Reason: Code of Conduct breaches, aggressive celebrations, dissent.
Impact: Among the most fined players cumulatively.
Note: Fines often related to Level 1 & Level 2 offences.
- MS Dhoni (2019)
Fine: 50% of match fee.
Incident: Entered the field to argue with umpires.
Significance: Rare disciplinary action against Dhoni.
Impact: Sparked debate on player conduct.
- Hardik Pandya & Krunal Pandya (2019)
Fine/Punishment: Suspended and fined.
Reason: Controversial remarks on a TV show.
Impact: Missed matches + financial penalties.
Note: BCCI intervention beyond IPL code.
- Shane Warne (2008–2011)
Fine: Multiple fines across seasons.
Reason: Dissent, code of conduct breaches.
Impact: One of the most frequently fined captains.
Significance: Early IPL disciplinary benchmark.
- Gautam Gambhir (2013)
Fine: 100% match fee.
Incident: Heated altercation with Virat Kohli.
Impact: One of the biggest single-match fines.
Highlight: Intensity of IPL rivalries.
- Chris Gayle (2016)
Fine: 10% match fee.
Reason: Controversial interview remarks.
Impact: IPL tightened media conduct norms.
- Rishabh Pant (2022)
Fine: 100% match fee (captain penalty).
Reason: Showing dissent over umpiring decisions.
Impact: Reinforced strict captain accountability.
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