Indian Premier League (IPL) has at all times been a stage not only for thrilling cricket but in addition for improvements and surprises. One such shocking second got here through the conflict between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2025, when MI skipper Hardik Pandya’s bat was put below the highlight—fairly actually. The on-field umpire, in an unprecedented transfer mid-match, measured Pandya’s bat utilizing a particular gauge, drawing curious glances from followers and commentators alike.
Why Hardik Pandya’s bat was measured by the umpire?
Viewers have been caught off guard when the umpire halted play briefly to run a bat gauge alongside the complete size of Pandya’s willow. This wasn’t random. As per IPL 2025’s up to date enjoying situations, a bat can’t exceed 4.25 inches (10.8 cm) in width and should easily go by way of the gauge in any respect factors. The transfer is a part of a broader crackdown to keep up equity, particularly with T20 cricket witnessing record-breaking run fest. Simply earlier within the day, within the RR vs RCB conflict, the bats of Phil Salt and Shimron Hetmyer have been additionally been scrutinized, leading to each gamers switching bats – elevating eyebrows and murmurs about potential outsized edges.
Fortuitously for Pandya, his bat handed the take a look at. Nonetheless, this indicators the start of a extra stringent strategy by officers to make sure no batter beneficial properties an undue edge – actually or figuratively—through the use of gear exterior authorized specs. With scores of 200+ turning into the brand new norm, the priority isn’t nearly talent, however the instruments of the commerce doubtlessly tipping the steadiness.
Umpire checked Hardik Pandya bat earlier than he got here to bat as we speak😭😭
Unreal Aura🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/tV1Pm0yNGm— ` (@Sneha4kohli) April 13, 2025
Additionally READ: Followers react as Karun Nair’s explosive knock goes in useless; Karn Sharma lead MI to an exhilarating win over DC in IPL 2025
MI edge previous DC in an exhilarating contest
Whereas the bat-checking second was temporary, it sparked widespread discussions. Pandya’s personal contribution with the bat was minimal—simply 2 runs—however the incident overshadowed that, drawing focus to the gear relatively than the efficiency. In the meantime, Karun Nair’s explosive 89 off 40 for DC and Karn Sharma’s clutch 3-wicket haul for MI have been essential moments in a carefully contested match. In the long run, DC fell quick by a mere 12 runs, as MI have been capable of prohibit them out for 193.
