The RR vs RCB clash on Sunday was not without drama as the umpires stopped the match twice for short periods in Jaipur. Royals superstar Shimron Hetmyer and RCB opener Phil Salt both were subjected to bat checks during the game to see whether their blades were the correct dimensions. While bat dimensions are enforced via rules, a check for the same during a game is rare, especially in IPL 2025.
Why were Salt and Hetmyer subjected to bat checks?
The incident first occurred when Shimron Hetmyer walked in to bat for Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur in the 16th over of the innings. The West Indian hitter, however, was asked to put his bat through the equipment to check the size. The left-hander was within limits and was allowed to proceed and continue with his innings. Later in the match, RCB opener Phil Salt was also subjected to such a check, with the English opener also coming through unscathed.
Wait, what just happened?
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In the commentary box, Akash Chopra, Ajay Jadeja and Sanjay Bangar were stumped by the umpires’ decision to check the bats. However, Bangar backed the decision, suggesting that while the umpires usually do it a day before the game, doing it on the spot allows for fairer playing conditions. A
What does the rule say?
As per the rules, a player’s bat must meet the league’s standards. The bat’s size requirements are outlined in Law 5.7 of the IPL playing conditions, which regulate bat dimensions. As per the set conditions, the bat width should be 4.25 inches (10.8 cm), the depth should be 2.64 inches (6.7 cm), and the edges should be 1.56 inches (4.0 cm).
Furthermore, any covering material on the bat should not exceed 0.04 inches (0.1 cm) in thickness, and any protective base at the bottom should not be thicker than 0.12 inches (0.3 cm). The handle, meanwhile, cannot be more than 52% of the bat. For a bat to pass the regulations, it should easily pass through the bat gauge. Phil Salt and Shimron Hetmyer both saw their bats pass through the gauge with ease.
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