In a surprising turn during the IPL 2025 match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings on Tuesday, April 15, three KKR batters had their bats fail the on-field gauge test, forcing them to replace their gear. Earlier, umpires had checked players’ bat size on the field during last Sunday’s double-headers.
Here’s all you need to know about the bat testing rule:
1. What happened during the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) game against Punjab Kings regarding bats?
During the IPL match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings on April 16, 2025, three KKR batters – Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Anrich Nortje – had their bats fail a gauge test administered by the umpires. As a result, they were required to replace their bats with legal alternatives.
2. What is this “gauge test” for bats in the IPL?
The gauge test involves using a triangle-shaped plastic tool with specific dimensions marked on it, representing the legal limits for a cricket bat. These dimensions include the depth (2.68 inches), width (4.33 inches), and edge thickness (1.61 inches). Additionally, the curve or bulge on the non-hitting side of the bat’s lower section must not exceed 0.20 inches. If a bat cannot pass through this gauge, it is deemed oversized and illegal for use in the match.
3. Why was this bat testing implemented during the KKR vs. Punjab Kings game?
Prior to this IPL season, bat testing was typically conducted on the day before a match. However, this system had a loophole, as players could potentially use different, non-compliant bats during the actual game. The new implementation of on-field gauge testing aims to close this loophole.
4. When were the bat tests conducted for the KKR batters?
In Russell’s case, the umpire administered the gauge test when he came out to bat. Narine’s bat was checked by the fourth umpire near the boundary before the start of KKR’s innings, as he was the opener. Similarly, Nortje’s bat was tested when he came in to bat later in the innings. In both Narine’s and Nortje’s cases, the gauge failed to clear the thickest part of their bats, necessitating a replacement.