IPL fans have recently noticed umpires checking batters’ bats before they step onto the field during the ongoing 2025 season. According to a Cricbuzz report, this change was implemented following a decision made at last week’s regular umpires’ meeting, where it was agreed that all batters’ bats would undergo a gauge test before each innings.
Previously, the fourth umpire would inspect players’ bats in the dressing room on the day before the match. However, this system had a loophole—players could switch to a different bat on matchday. The Cricbuzz report also indicates that this mid-season change was prompted by a noticeable increase in rule violations this year.
During the April 15 match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), both Sunil Narine and Anrich Nortje failed the bat gauge test. As per the standard rules, a bat’s blade must not exceed 4.25 inches in width, 2.64 inches in depth, and 1.56 inches at the edges.
The bat must pass through the official gauge to be cleared for use, and all IPL teams have been informed without any objections. While umpires have been told to be more lenient with celebrations, LSG’s Digvesh Rathi has already been fined twice for his notebook-style wicket celebration.
“I just wish they had tested the bats back in my playing days”- Daniel Vettori
SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) head coach Daniel Vettori jokingly expressed that he would’ve loved to see bat checks introduced during his own playing days. The increasing size of bats has often been cited as a key factor behind the surge in T20 scores in recent years.
Speaking to the media recently, Vettori was asked about the new bat inspection rule and responded (as quoted by India Today):
“I wish they’d checked the bats when I was playing. No, I don’t think it makes any difference. The guys get tested regularly. The umpires go through the dressing rooms a lot of the time, so (the) guys know that their bats are compliant, so it’s just a quick one second, and everyone moves on.”
He further continued:
“It’s just part of the game, part of the evolution. Everyone seems to enjoy sixes and fours, so I don’t think we’re going to get a reduction in bat size and it doesn’t really worry me.”
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