IPL 2025 bat checks: Ex-umpire Vinayak Kulkarni explains

In the ongoing IPL 2025 tournament, viewers have noticed umpires conducting on-field bat legality checks — a practice that, while not new, has become more visible. Former international umpire and BCCI umpire coach Vinayak Kulkarni discusses this development, the evolution of umpiring standards, and the impact of technology on the profession.

Q: We've seen umpires using gauges to check bat thickness during IPL 2025 matches. Is this a new practice?

Vinayak Kulkarni: It's not new. We've been using bat gauges for over a decade to check the width and thickness of bats. Previously, these checks were done discreetly, often the day before the match. What's changed is the visibility; now, these checks are happening on the field and being captured on camera, making the public more aware.

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Q: Why have these checks become more prominent now?

Kulkarni: With the advent of T20 cricket, bats have evolved to have thicker edges and more "meat", giving batters an advantage. To ensure fairness, it's crucial to verify that bats meet the legal specifications. The increased visibility of these checks is part of maintaining transparency and integrity in the game.

Q: Have there been instances where bats failed these checks?

Kulkarni: Yes, occasionally. In domestic matches like the Ranji Trophy, we've found bats that didn't conform to the standards. In such cases, we ask the player to change the bat. These instances are rare and usually involve bats that have been modified or are from manufacturers that do not adhere to guidelines.

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Q: Are all players' bats checked, or is it a random process?

Kulkarni: Initially, we focused on key players — top-order batters and known power hitters — checking two to four bats per team. Nowadays, most players have their own bats, and we ask them to declare which ones they'll use. We check those specific bats to ensure compliance.

Q: How do players react to these checks?

Kulkarni: Players are generally cooperative. They understand the importance of maintaining the game's integrity. We've rarely faced resistance. Even when a bat doesn't meet the standards, players usually comply without issue.

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Q: Is this practice limited to senior-level cricket?

Kulkarni: While it's more common at higher levels like the IPL and Ranji Trophy, we do conduct random checks at junior levels as well. The emphasis is on education and ensuring players understand the standards from an early age.

Q: You've been involved in umpire training. How has technology influenced umpiring?

Kulkarni: Technology has significantly impacted umpiring. The BCCI has established an umpires' academy in Nagpur, where we train umpires using video analysis and other tools. All BCCI matches are recorded, allowing umpires to review their decisions and improve. This transparency has elevated umpiring standards.

Q: Can you elaborate on how decisions like LBWs are assessed?

Kulkarni: An LBW decision involves multiple factors: the ball's legality, pitching, impact, and trajectory. Umpires must assess all these within fractions of a second. Technology aids in this process, but it's still a challenging task requiring sharp judgment and experience.

Q: How has the standard of umpiring evolved in India?

Kulkarni: Umpiring standards have improved markedly. With structured training, technological support, and regular assessments, umpires are better equipped to make accurate decisions. The accuracy rate for decisions like LBWs has increased from around 92-93 per cent to approximately 98 per cent.

Q: Are more individuals, including women, taking up umpiring?

Kulkarni: Yes, umpiring has become a more attractive career option. The remuneration has improved significantly, and there's greater recognition. We've also seen an increase in women entering the field, with dedicated training programmes to support their development.

Q: You've authored a book on umpiring. Could you tell us about it?

Kulkarni: Certainly. The book is titled "Cricket Laws and Playing Conditions Made Easy". It's designed to help umpires, players, and enthusiasts understand the game's rules through pictorial representations and explanations. It's a resource aimed at making the laws more accessible to everyone involved in cricket.

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