By Zainab Shafiq 
A fresh controversy has erupted in the IPL 2025 after Rajasthan Royals’ Riyan Parag was subjected to an on-field bat inspection, drawing attention to the league’s newly enforced gauge test rules.
Drama unfolded when Parag walked in to bat after captain Sanju Samson’s sudden injury exit. Umpires immediately paused play to scrutinise Parag’s bat with the newly introduced gauge — a device designed to ensure bats conform to strict dimension standards mandated by the BCCI this season.
Parag’s bat initially failed the inspection, forcing him to swap it before facing a delivery. The incident, minor in nature, nevertheless ignited a major talking point, especially after television cameras captured Indian cricket legend Rahul Dravid reacting with a stoic — and seemingly disapproving — look from the stands.
The broadcast booth buzzed with commentary. Former England spinner Graeme Swann wryly remarked that Parag had “just about passed the batometer,” highlighting the confusion the new protocols have sown among players and officials alike.
Another broadcaster noted Parag’s visible frustration, suggesting he argued the bat had already been approved in the dressing room, questioning the redundancy of the second inspection.
This isn’t an isolated case. In recent days, Kolkata Knight Riders’ Sunil Narine and Anrich Nortje also had to replace their bats mid-match, after failing similar tests. The clampdown signals a strict interpretation of the new rules but has fuelled debate over its mid-tournament enforcement and potential disruption to players’ rhythm.
While the BCCI’s move aims to maintain equipment fairness, critics argue that repeated bat checks could interrupt game flow and undermine player focus at critical junctures. The governing body has yet to issue a statement addressing player concerns.
For Riyan Parag, the brief delay didn’t overshadow his innings, but the broader unease about the gauge test is unlikely to quieten soon.
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