Why Are Umpires Checking Bats In IPL 2025? All You Need To Know About Gauge Test
Earlier this week, three KKR players also failed the bat test and had to change their bats.
Rajasthan Royals batter Riyan Parag was required to change his bat on Wednesday after it reportedly failed to meet the size requirements during the pre-play gauge test introduced in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. During RR's match against Delhi Capitals, Parag came to bat, replacing the injured captain Sanju Samson.
As per IPL 2025 rules, umpires now check bats on-field to ensure they meet size regulations, which Parag’s bat failed. During the on-field test, Parag was captured on camera seemingly arguing with the umpire. However, he was asked to replace his bat before continuing his innings. The match was held at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium.
On Tuesday, three KKR players also failed the test and had to change their bats. At the start of IPL 2025, South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada had raised concerns over the bat-ball imbalance in the tournament. He had said that with the teams focusing on a 300-run target, the game might as well be called "batting" instead of cricket.
An Indian Express report cited some IPL insiders to claim that a few T20 batsmen tweaked the "bat bulge”. This move enhances the sweet spot’s impact for the bat without exceeding legal weight limits, subtly bending the rules.
Gauge Test On Bats
Tool Used: A triangular plastic gauge with pre-set maximum dimensions.
Key Dimensions Checked:
Depth: Max 2.68 inches
Width: Max 4.33 inches
Edge Thickness: Max 1.61 inches
Bulge (Non-hitting side): Max 0.20 inches
During the test, the umpires slide the bat through the gauge to check for the determined dimensions. If the bat doesn’t pass through the gauge smoothly, it’s considered ineligible.
The test was being conducted earlier, prior to the matches. However, it was realised that players could switch to oversized bats after the pre-match checks. Hence, the on-field bat gauge tests have been introduced to ensure compliance throughout the game.
A former BCCI umpire, who has officiated in more than 100 IPL games and many international matches, has expressed his surprise at the development.
"The umpires keep a house-shaped bat gauge. If the bat passes through that gauge, it is deemed acceptable. We have all performed bat checks before the start of the innings inside the dressing room. The players handover their willows and the check is done," a former umpire told PTI condition of anonymity.
"Now the question is, did any player provide one bat for check and used another on the field? If that has happened, then this protocol is welcome. The players always carry multiple bats. While the weight can vary, the height, width (bat face), depth (middle of blade) and width of the edge has to be within specified limits prescribed by the ICC," he added.
