In a match of IPL 2025, such a sight was seen which surprised the audience. Usually runs are scored with the bat on the field but this time the bat itself was in the headlines. During the matches of Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians, when Shimron Hetmyer, Phil Salt and Hardik Pandya came to bat, the umpires started checking the measurement of their bats. This scene was seen for the first time when the umpires took out the bat gauge on the field and measured the width and depth of the players' bats. Now the question arises that why was this investigation needed? Did any player violate the rules or is this a new process? All the people who saw and knew the reason behind it were shocked. Let's know the whole story-

According to the rules of IPL, every batsman has to use the bat as per the rules. It is clearly written in the rules that if the bat is bigger or wider than the prescribed size, then it should be changed immediately. The same rule was implemented on the field on Sunday.

Under Law 5.7 of the IPL, umpires have the right to check the size of the bat. This process is done as a routine to ensure that no player is violating the rules.

Wait, what just happened?

A mid-game bat check caught everyone off guard including Comm Box!#IPLonJioStar 👉 #DCvMI | LIVE NOW on Star Sports Network & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/nP7SGvFHI2

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 13, 2025

The order of testing the three batsmen was like this

Shimron Hetmyer - The First Case

This scene was first seen in the match played between Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore. As soon as Hetmyer came to bat after the 16th over , the umpire stopped the game for some time and checked the width and thickness of his bat with the help of a bat gauge. After the investigation was completed, he was allowed to play.

Phil Salt - Next Investigation

After this, when RCB's innings started , opener Phil Salt 's bat was also checked. This check was also done with the same procedure and Salt's bat was also found to be in accordance with the standards.

Hardik Pandya - Third and final test

Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals were face to face in the second match on Sunday. As soon as Mumbai captain Hardik Pandya came to bat, the umpire checked his bat as well. Here too the width of the bat was measured by putting it in the bat gauge and after checking he was allowed to play.

What does the IPL rule say about the size of the bat?

All bats used in IPL have to fit into the set criteria . These criteria are as follows:

• Length (including handle): max 38 inches (96.52 cm)
• Width: up to 4.25 inches (10.8 cm)
• Depth: max 2.64 in (6.7 cm)
• Edge Thickness: Maximum 1.56 in (4.0 cm)
• Length of handle: should not exceed 52% of total length
• Covering on blade: Thickness not more than 0.04 in. (0.1 cm)
• Toe protection: Thickness not more than 0.12 in (0.3 cm)

Every bat has to pass through a special tool called a bat gauge. If the bat does not fit in this tool, the player has to immediately get another bat. However, there is no point deduction or penalty in this situation .

What happened to the players?

The bats of all three players – Hetmyer, Salt and Hardik – were found to be in accordance with the rules of IPL. Therefore, no one had to change the bat and the game proceeded without any controversy. But this investigation definitely sparked a discussion on social media.

Questions raised among fans

Fans were a bit surprised to see the bat being checked like this on the field. Some shared funny memes on social media, while some called it "a new twist in IPL 2025". Some cricket experts called it a good example of following the rules.

PC:Punjab Kesari