Mohit Sharma and Nitish Rana discussed their thoughts about umpires examining bat sizes during the 2025 Indian Premier League. In their different ways, the two expressed similar views. According to Rana, the umpires have the right to measure each batter’s willows because T20 cricket is a shorter game.
Rana and Mohit Sharma participated in the pre-match press conference prior to the RR vs. DC game. Getting his bat’s size measured did not present any issues for Nitish Rana.
“There is a shortage of time in T20s, and if the umpires have the time to check the bat, I guess it is their right to do so – even my bat was checked,” Rana was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
During the match between RR and RCB, the umpires checked the bats of Phil Salt, Shimron Hetmyer, and Riyan Parag in addition to Rana. The bat size of Hardik Pandya was confirmed during the DC vs. MI game. In response, the Southpaw stated that during the RR vs. RCB game, umpires measured the bat sizes of roughly 60–70% of the batters.
We don’t have an issue if umpires wish to verify it for themselves: Nitish Rana
Since the batters had little influence over the umpires’ choices, the Southpaw thought it was fair. He believed that the willows were manufactured by businesses and funded by them. If the umpires wished to confirm these, the RR player replied he had no issues as a batter.
“60–70% of batsmen’s bats were scrutinised during that game. It is fair enough, but we have no control over it and no voice in it. We don’t mind that the bats are manufactured by the firm that sponsors us. However, we don’t have an issue if umpires wish to verify it to their satisfaction,” Rana continued.
The identical query was posed to Mohit Sharma, who responded in jest, “That’s really good, please check those bats.” We have been witnessing such enormous sixes as it is. Ban the bats as well if one or two are found to be overweight.
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