Anrich Nortje Forced to Change Bat After Failing Umpires’ Gauge Test During KKR vs PBKS Clash

Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL 2025 campaign hit an unexpected twist on Tuesday in Mullanpur, not just due to their dramatic collapse against Punjab Kings, but also because of bat-size controversies involving Anrich Nortje and Sunil Narine.

Both players’ bats failed the on-field gauge test, forcing last-minute changes and pausing the game.

Nortje’s Bat Fails at a Crucial Moment

Anrich Nortje, batting at No. 11, was subjected to an unusual situation during the 16th over of KKR’s chase.

Just as he walked onto the field, his bat failed the on-field gauge test conducted by umpires Mohit Krishnadas and Saidharshan Kumar.

This test ensures the bat meets strict dimension regulations: a maximum face width of 10.79 cm, blade thickness not exceeding 6.7 cm, edge width capped at 4 cm, and overall length under 96.4 cm.

The match was momentarily paused as substitute Rahmanullah Gurbaz brought out spare bats for Nortje. One of the replacement bats passed the test, but Nortje never got a chance to use it.

On the very next ball, Andre Russell was bowled by Marco Jansen, ending KKR’s innings in a record-setting defeat.

Sunil Narine’s Bat Rejected Before Start of Innings

Earlier in the game, another KKR player, Sunil Narine, also faced a bat check issue. Before the chase began, reserve umpire Saiyed Khalid examined the bats of Narine and Angkrish Raghuvanshi near the boundary.

The thickest part of Narine’s bat failed to pass through the gauge. After a brief conversation, Narine was asked to switch bats. Raghuvanshi’s bat, however, passed the test.

These back-to-back incidents put the spotlight firmly on equipment regulations and raised questions among fans about the visibility of such checks.

Shift in BCCI’s Bat Check Policy

Historically, bat checks were carried out privately inside the dressing room. However, IPL 2025 has seen a shift in this protocol.

During the Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians matches on Sunday, bat checks were observed being conducted openly on the field.

This change means that players must be more prepared for immediate scrutiny, especially in high-pressure moments.

The BCCI’s decision to implement public bat checks appears to stem from a desire to maintain strict compliance with equipment rules.

Nortje’s Return to IPL Marred by Misfortune

Tuesday’s match marked Nortje’s first appearance in IPL 2025 following a back injury sustained during the SA20. With the ball, he had a decent performance, finishing with figures of 1 for 23 from three overs.

But his brief time at the crease was overshadowed by the bat controversy and KKR’s overall defeat.

The end result was a historic low for KKR, as they failed to chase a modest total of 112, gifting Punjab Kings the record for the lowest successful defence in IPL history.

Nitish Rana Supports On-Field Checks

Speaking a day after the match, Rajasthan Royals batter Nitish Rana, whose bat was also checked in an earlier match, weighed in on the situation.

“There is shortage of time in T20s, and if the umpires have the time to check the bat, I guess it is their right to do so – even my bat was checked,” he said.

He added that 60-70% of the bats were checked during their game and stated that players have no objection as bat manufacturing is handled by sponsors. “If umpires want to check it for their satisfaction, we don’t have a problem,” he noted.

Public Bat Checks Now Part of IPL Routine

As the bat gauge tests become more frequent and visible in IPL 2025, players and teams will need to adapt to the heightened scrutiny.

Nortje and Narine’s incidents are the latest reminders that even minor technicalities can affect the course of a game.

Despite the drama, these checks serve a purpose — to ensure fairness and consistency in a game where even the smallest advantage can tip the scales.

KKR’s forgettable night was a combination of poor performance and unforeseen setbacks, but the spotlight is now firmly on the enforcement of equipment rules in one of the world’s most-watched tournaments.