Bat-check controversy: How Ayush Mhatre failed thrice due to umpire error
A bizarre moment in the IPL 2026 match between Chennai Super Kings and Punjab Kings saw Ayush Mhatre’s bat fail multiple checks due to an upside-down gauge. After confusion and delays, the error was fixed and his original bat passed. The incident, though harmless, became a widely discussed and humorous highlight of the match.
NEW DELHI: A bizarre and slightly comical moment took place during the IPL 2026 clash between Chennai Super Kings and Punjab Kings when young batter Ayush Mhatre walked in to bat at No. 3. What should have been a routine start quickly turned into chaos, even before he faced a single ball on Friday.
As part of standard procedure, the umpire checked Mhatre’s bat using a gauge. Surprisingly, the bat did not pass. A replacement bat was brought in, but that failed too.
Then came a third bat, and that also didn’t pass. At this point, Mhatre looked completely confused at the crease, while the Chepauk crowd watched in disbelief as the delay stretched on. Just when things couldn’t get stranger, the umpire realised the mistake, the gauge had been used upside down the entire time.
Once it was turned the correct way, Mhatre’s original bat passed the test instantly without any issue. What followed was a mix of laughter and disbelief, as all the earlier confusion turned out to be unnecessary. In the end, nothing really changed.