IPL 2025: Why was Sunil Narine not given ‘hit wicket’? Explained

During the IPL 2025 season opener between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens, Sunil Narine had a lucky escape from what appeared to be a hit-wicket dismissal. Despite the fact that the KKR all-rounder was finally dismissed for 44 off 26 balls, the controversial incident caused RCB players to question their choice.

During the seventh over, Rasikh Salam produced a stinging short delivery that Narine attempted to evade. While doing so, his bat clipped the stumps, lighting up the bails. However, the umpires signalled wide owing to height and judged him not out because the ball had already been gathered by the wicketkeeper, Jitesh Sharma, and Narine had completed his action of playing the delivery.

Isn’t it a hit wicket?? @grok what’s your thoughts? #RCBvsKKR #KKRvsRCB #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/AVIBLsbj0l

— Skilled Insaan (@skilledinsaan) March 22, 2025

Why didn’t Sunil Narine get hit wicket?

An out-hit wicket occurs when a batter breaks their stumps while playing the ball, starting for a run, or taking a second hit to protect their wicket, as per the MCC Laws of Cricket. If, after the shot is played and the delivery is finished, the stumps are broken, the hitter is still in. A non-dismissal was declared by the umpires in accordance with Law 35.2 since Narine’s bat struck the stumps after the ball had been securely in the wicketkeeper’s gloves.

The RCB, under the leadership of recently appointed captain Rajat Patidar, had won the toss and chosen to bowl first. With Josh Hazlewood dismissing Quinton de Kock for just four runs in the opening over, they were off to a fantastic start. But courtesy to captain Ajinkya Rahane’s 25-ball half-century and Narine’s 44 from 26 balls, the reigning champs recovered well.

After Rahane added 56 off 31 deliveries, KKR reached 107/2 in 10 overs. The team returned to the game thanks to Rahane and Narine’s second-wicket partnership of 103 runs in just 54 balls. Rasikh got an edge on his excellent length ball, which went straight to the keeper, dismissing the West Indian.

The bowlers for the RCB struggled to contain the run flow; Rasikh let up 35 runs in his three overs even though he removed Narine. Only Josh Hazlewood, who took 1/8 in his two-over session, was able to keep control. However, Rahane (56 off 31) and Venkatesh Iyer (6 off 7) were both sent back by Krunal Pandya, demonstrating his class.