Indian cricket has been hit by another seismic scandal, as a recent sting operation by investigative news outlet Tehelka has unveiled a sophisticated match-fixing network primarily targeting the Delhi Premier League (DPL) and making audacious claims about the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The expose, published on September 19, 2026, details how former Ranji cricketer Rachit Bhatia was caught on camera providing privileged information regarding team line-ups for betting purposes, explicitly naming Chennai Super Kings (CSK) wicketkeeper-batter Vansh Bedi in connection with leaked playing XIs.
The Tehelka Special Investigation Team (SIT) report details how Rachit Bhatia offered inside information for Match No. 7 of the third edition of the DPL T20, played on August 3, 2026, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. During his dealings with an undercover reporter, Bhatia provided the projected playing XI for the Central Delhi Kings, even discussing a potential substitution for Vansh Bedi with Gavnish Khurana depending on whether the team batted or bowled first. This direct mention places Bedi’s playing status as compromised information within the alleged fixing plot.
Explosive Claims Against CSK and IPL 2025
The revelations extend far beyond the DPL. Rachit Bhatia made startling claims to the undercover reporter, boasting about fixing five matches during the 2025 IPL season. He asserted that he passed inside information concerning the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to bookies in London via Snapchat, earning a staggering ₹60 lakh per match, totaling ₹3 crore for these five alleged fixes.
Bedi, a 23-year-old right-handed wicketkeeper-batter born on December 23, 2002, was signed by CSK for ₹55 lakhs in the IPL 2025 auction after gaining recognition for his performances in domestic cricket, including the DPL. Although he did not play any matches in IPL 2025 due to an ankle ligament tear, he remains part of the CSK squad for 2026. His association with CSK during the period of Bhatia’s alleged IPL fixing and his direct mention in the DPL line-up leak puts him under an uncomfortable spotlight.
The ‘Line-Up Leaks’ Modus Operandi
The sting operation specifically highlights a new form of corruption dubbed ‘line-up leaks,’ where confidential information about a team’s playing XI is shared with bookies before the official toss in exchange for money. This practice provides a significant advantage for betting, falling under the purview of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Anti-Corruption Code, specifically Articles 2.3.1 and 2.3.2, which prohibit participants from using and disclosing inside information.
Key Facts from Tehelka’s Sting
| Detail | Specifics |
|---|---|
| Investigation Date | Tehelka report published September 19, 2026 |
| Primary Accused | Former Ranji player Rachit Bhatia |
| DPL Match Date & Venue | August 3, 2026, Match No. 7 of DPL T20, Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi |
| DPL Teams Involved | Central Delhi Kings vs North Delhi Strikers |
| Vansh Bedi’s Role | Named by Rachit Bhatia in connection with leaked Central Delhi Kings’ playing XI for a DPL match. |
| IPL Fixing Claims | Rachit Bhatia claimed to have fixed five Chennai Super Kings (CSK) matches in IPL 2025 by leaking inside information. |
| Earnings Claimed | ₹60 lakh per IPL match, total ₹3 crore for five matches; ₹3 lakh for the DPL ‘line-up leak’ deal. |
| Type of Fixing | ‘Line-up leaks’ (sharing playing XI info pre-toss) and spot-fixing (e.g., specific wide balls). |
This latest scandal underscores the persistent threat of corruption in cricket, prompting renewed concerns about the integrity of major tournaments like the DPL and the IPL. Authorities are expected to launch a thorough investigation into Rachit Bhatia’s claims and the extent of the alleged fixing network. The cricketing world awaits further developments as the fallout from Tehelka’s exposé continues to unfold.