In the 2025 IPL, the gauge test has generated a lot of debate.
Legendary fast bowler Dale Steyn made a hilarious remark about the regulation around this time, claiming that since it was put into place, scoring had decreased due to the umpires’ “new toy.”
Three KKR batters—Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Anrich Nortje—were examined by the on-field umpires during a recent game between the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS). They had to switch bats when all three failed the test.
According to the regulation, the bat’s blade cannot be wider than 4.25 inches, deeper than 2.64 inches, or wider than 1.56 inches. It should also be able to get through the bat gauge. The additional guidelines are:
- Except for bats of size 6 and less, the overall handle shall not exceed 52 percent of the overall length of the bat
- The material for covering the blade shall not exceed 0.1 cm in thickness
- The maximum permitted thickness of the protected material placed on the toe of the blade is 0.3 cm
Umpires have a new toy.
Batters coming in with their 2nd choice bats…
Check the scores… haha
— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) April 15, 2025
The KKR hitters had no intention: The mark Boucher
South African wicketkeeper Mark Boucher questioned the reigning champions’ strategy after KKR’s defeat to PBKS. Despite a respectable start, the former cricket player noted that KKR’s hitters were unable to build on it. “The total they were chasing was awkward, not too high or low, and required the batters to play with intent,” he continued.
It is not an objective of 60 runs, nor is it a target of 140 or 150. A total was bound to be difficult. You are supposed to go out and acquire it as a batting team. They just put themselves in a bit of a bind, in my opinion. After taking the first two wickets, they got off to a respectable start before emerging hesitantly. It’s odd, particularly for a team that just won. “So, I don’t think the batters came in with the intensity they needed,” Boucher stated on Star Sports.
Following a humiliating loss to PBKS, the three-time champions will next play the Gujarat Titans (GT) at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on April 21.
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