Riyan Parag’s Bat Checked by Umpires in IPL 2025 | DC vs RR Bat Gauge Controversy

Riyan Parag Caught in Bat Controversy Amid Injury Drama and Dismissal Dispute in IPL 2025

The 32nd match of the Indian Premier League 2025 between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) turned into a whirlwind of drama not just because of the Super Over thriller that followed but also due to an unexpected bat controversy involving RR’s Riyan Parag and a fresh flashpoint over a third umpire's decision that left fans debating fairness in technology-driven decisions.

From an injured captain to a heated debate around bat regulations and a dismissed batter standing his ground, the encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium delivered more than just a high-scoring contest.

The umpires are doing their job and #RiyanParag’s bat is under scrutiny! ????

Watch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/nbBEFOkjkM #IPLonJioStar ???? #DCvRR | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/o68pxrSrje

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 16, 2025

The Gauge Test: Parag’s Bat Under Scrutiny

Riyan Parag became the third cricketer in IPL 2025, after Sunil Narine and Anrich Nortje, to be stopped mid-innings by the on-field umpire for failing the newly implemented bat gauge test, introduced by the BCCI to ensure bat size remains within standard regulations. The incident unfolded just moments after Parag replaced captain Sanju Samson, who was forced to retire hurt during RR’s chase of 189 against DC.

Parag, known for his flamboyance and a bit of feistiness on the field, was visibly confused as umpires stopped him before he took guard. His bat struggled to pass through the measuring gauge, triggering a brief but animated exchange with the official. The 23-year-old batter from Assam eventually switched to another bat, but as it turned out, he continued using the original bat a point that drew curiosity and concern from viewers and commentators alike.

Why the Bat Check Exists: IPL’s New Rule Explained

The bat size check was introduced by the BCCI for IPL 2025 as a part of its drive to bring parity between batters and bowlers in T20 cricket. The process involves measuring each batter’s bat using a specific gauge before they take strike. For openers, this is conducted by the fourth umpire before the game begins. For all other incoming batters, the check happens on the field.

Speaking to the media earlier in the season, IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal explained the rationale:

“Nobody should feel that someone has an undue advantage. The idea is to preserve the balance and the spirit of the game. We've used technology in decision-making; this was the next logical step.”

The gauge, modeled after standards set by MCC and used occasionally in international cricket, ensures that bats do not exceed the legal width, edge curvature, and spine height. It’s an attempt to neutralize power hitting that stems from unusually thick bats a feature that’s become more common in recent years.

Parag’s Bat Actually Passed Just Not Easily

What looked like a failed bat check turned out to be a gauge misalignment. On-air commentator and former India spinner Murali Kartik clarified during the broadcast that the bat did pass the measurement albeit with some difficulty leading to umpires allowing Parag to proceed with the same bat. However, the delay had already stirred up chatter on social media.

This new routine of measuring bats mid-game has become one of IPL 2025’s talking points. While some laud the BCCI’s effort to improve regulation, others argue it disrupts momentum and puts undue pressure on players walking into high-intensity situations.

Parag’s Impact with the Bat: Underwhelming Again

Despite the equipment debate, Riyan Parag’s performance didn’t match the drama. He was dismissed for just 8 off 11 balls, bowled by Axar Patel with a delivery that beat the bat and crashed into the stumps. Once again, Parag failed to anchor or accelerate the innings in a crunch situation a trend that’s now becoming a concern for RR fans and the team’s coaching staff.

In seven matches this season, Parag has scored 173 runs at an average of 28.83 and a strike rate of 147.86 decent numbers on paper, but inconsistent contributions and missed opportunities are beginning to overshadow his potential.

Flashback: The Ahmedabad Controversy and DRS Dispute

This wasn’t the first controversy involving Riyan Parag this season. In Match 24 vs Gujarat Titans, the Assam-born batter was embroiled in a DRS drama that saw him refuse to leave the field after being declared caught behind off Kulwant Khejroliya.

The replay showed a spike on Snickometer, but the third umpire didn’t exhaust all camera angles or consider potential bat-ground contact. Parag, who believed there were two noises, was visibly upset. He remained on the pitch, trying to convince the on-field umpire, before reluctantly walking back.

This incident further fuelled the narrative of inconsistency in umpiring and raised questions about whether enough diligence is applied during pivotal moments.

Injured Samson Adds to RR’s Woes

Adding to the complications for Rajasthan Royals was the untimely injury to Sanju Samson, who was in sublime touch before retiring hurt with 31 off 19 balls. Attempting a lofted shot off Mohit Sharma, Samson winced in pain, holding his ribs. After a visit from the physio, he was guided off the field a crucial turning point in the chase that left RR’s middle-order exposed.

Without their captain, RR had to reshuffle roles mid-innings. Though Nitish Rana and Yashasvi Jaiswal stepped up with half-centuries, the team lacked the stability and firepower to close out the game, eventually losing in a Super Over to DC.

IPL 2025: Technology, Fairness, and The Parag Narrative

The Parag bat saga is emblematic of IPL 2025’s larger themes tighter regulations, smarter technologies, and increased emphasis on fairness. While the intentions are laudable, execution glitches like the one seen with the bat gauge need refinement to avoid confusion on the field.

Riyan Parag’s season so far has mirrored the unpredictability of T20 cricket itself. Moments of brilliance like his explosive finish against SRH earlier sit alongside unfortunate controversies and underwhelming innings. What’s clear is that Parag remains a work-in-progress, a player brimming with potential but struggling to stitch together consistent impact.