Umpires Introduce Bat Size Checks During IPL 2025: Hardik Pandya Among First to Be Inspected

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 witnessed the implementation of a new on-field protocol during Sunday’s double-header umpires began inspecting bat dimensions mid-match. The first notable instance occurred during the clash between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Capitals (DC), where MI skipper Hardik Pandya's bat was checked using a bat gauge.

WHY THE NEW PROTOCOL?

With teams frequently breaching the 200-run mark this season and power-hitting becoming more rampant, officials have introduced stricter checks to ensure fairness. The move is aimed at preventing players from gaining an illegal edge by using bats that exceed the standard size.

According to IPL 2025 regulations, a bat must adhere to the following maximum dimensions:

- Width: 4.25 inches (10.8 cm)  

- Depth: 2.64 inches (6.7 cm)  

- Edge Thickness: 1.56 inches (4.0 cm)  

Moreover, the bat must comfortably pass through an official bat gauge, a device now being used during matches for quick inspections.

PANDYA'S BAT CLEARED, OTHERS ASKED TO CHANGE

During the MI vs DC fixture, an on-field umpire was seen running the gauge across the entire length of Pandya’s bat. Fortunately for the all-rounder, his bat complied with the permitted dimensions.

Earlier in the day, during the match between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), both Phil Salt and Shimron Hetmyer had to switch their bats after initial inspections. Salt went on to hammer 65 runs off just 33 deliveries, helping RCB cruise to a comfortable win. Though Hetmyer had a quiet outing, he has been a key power-hitter for RR this season.

MATCH RECAP: MI VS DC

While Pandya only managed to score 2 runs with the bat, he led his team to a much-needed win — MI’s second of the season. The real fireworks came from Delhi Capitals’ Karun Nair, who was introduced as an impact player and launched a brutal assault on MI's bowlers. He blazed his way to 89 off just 40 balls, dismantling even Jasprit Bumrah with ease.

However, his dismissal in the 12th over triggered DC’s collapse. MI’s impact substitute, leg-spinner Karn Sharma, turned the tide by claiming three crucial wickets in the middle overs. Despite Nair’s heroics, DC fell short by 12 runs, bowled out for 193 in a thrilling chase.