Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) batsman Tim Davids will not play in the opening match of IPL 2027 after serving a one-match suspension following his third disciplinary sanction of the season.
The incident took place in the 10th over of Gujarat Titans’ innings during the IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
According to an IPL media release, David reacted angrily after Jordan Cox’s catch off Washington Sundar was ruled not out and threw an ice bag in the direction of field umpire Nitin Menon.
David was found to have breached IPL Code of Conduct 2.9, which “throws a ball (or any other item of cricket equipment such as a water bottle) at or near a player, team official, umpire, match referee or any other third person during a match”.
The batter pleaded guilty and accepted the ban imposed by match referee Javagal Srinath. Accumulating five demerit points during the season, the violation automatically triggered a one-game suspension.
Despite the regulation setback, RCB completed a memorable campaign by successfully defending their title, defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets in a thrilling final at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
The win made RCB the third franchise in Indian Premier League history to win the championship in a row, joining Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians.
Washington Sundar scored an unbeaten 50 off 37 balls as Gujarat Titans posted 155/8 in 20 overs. RCB’s bowlers continued to apply the pressure, with Krunal Pandya returning 1/23 while Rasiq Salam stood at 3/27.
In reply, RCB’s top order set the tone with a blistering start, scoring the fastest fifty in 3.3 overs in an IPL final. Substitute Venkatesh Iyer scored 32 off 16 balls to get the Titans down early.
Although Rashid Khan took 2/25 to drag GT back into the contest, dismissing Rajat Patidar and Krunal Pandya in the same over, Virat Kohli anchored the chase with authority.
The 37-year-old scored an unbeaten 75 off 42 balls, bringing up his fastest IPL half-century in 25 balls. Kohli cleared the boundary for a six over long-on in the 18th over to seal victory with 12 balls to spare.