Check Mate: New Dimension In Bats

Over the last five days or so, the on-field umpires have administered a bat gauge test to examine if the willow carried by the batter clears guidelines according to the Indian Premier League 2025 Playing Conditions.

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Here's a brief explainer.

First up, what's the contraption in the pocket of both umpires? It's a 'bat gauge' as defined in the IPL Playing Conditions. "All bats must meet the specifications defined in Clause 5.7," it says. "They must also, with or without protective coverings permitted in Clause 5.4, be able to pass through a bat gauge, the dimensions and shape of which are as follows:

Total depth: 2.68 inches/6.8cms
Width: 4.33 inches/11 cms
Edge: 1.61 inches/4.1 cms
Curve: 0.2 inches/0.5 cms