In an unusual and rather dramatic turn during the IPL 2025 clash between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), three KKR players — Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Anrich Nortje — were forced to change their bats after failing a newly introduced gauge test conducted by on-field and fourth umpires.
🧪 What’s the Gauge Test?
A triangle-shaped plastic gauge has become the latest tool in the IPL to check bat dimensions. The permitted size specifications:
- Depth: 2.68 inches
- Width: 4.33 inches
- Edge thickness: 1.61 inches
- Curve (bulge): 0.20 inches max
This rule aims to ensure no unfair advantage is given through overly thick or modified bats — something that was hard to monitor earlier since bat checks were done only before match day, not during it.
⚠️ Bats That Failed the Test
- 🧨 Andre Russell: Came out to bat in the 11th over. Umpire Saidharshan Kumar performed the check — bat failed, and he had to switch to a second-choice bat.
- 🌪️ Sunil Narine: As an opener, his bat was checked near the boundary before the innings began. Umpire Saiyed Khalid tried to pass the gauge — failed. Narine had to replace his bat on the spot.
- 🎯 Anrich Nortje: Bat was checked when he came in late in the innings. Failed the test, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz rushed in with a replacement. Ironically, Nortje didn’t even face a delivery — Russell was dismissed on the next ball.
🎙️ What They’re Saying
- Dale Steyn (on X):
“Umpires have a new toy. Batters coming in with their 2nd choice bats… Check the scores… haha.” - Mohit Sharma (Delhi Capitals pacer) jokingly remarked:
“That’s really good, please check those bats. As it is we have been seeing such big sixes. If a bat or two are caught oversized then ban them also.” - IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal: “The idea behind this initiative is to ensure that the spirit of the game is maintained. Nobody should feel that somebody’s got an undue advantage.”
⚖️ Why It Matters
This season’s stricter enforcement shows how IPL 2025 is taking player equipment regulations seriously, especially in an era where power hitting has exploded. With players launching 110m+ sixes, thicker bats can easily offer an edge (literally).
This is the first season where bat dimensions are being tested on match day, addressing past loopholes where players swapped bats after pre-match inspections.
📉 What Else Happened That Day?
Even after all the drama, Punjab Kings defended 111 runs as Chahal’s 4/28 and Marco Jansen’s 3/17 tore through KKR’s line-up — a memorable night, made even more memorable with bat gauges in the spotlight.
