Why did Sunil Narine not receive a “hit wicket” in the 2025 Indian Premier League? Described

Sunil Narine’s fortunate escape from what appeared to be a hit-wicket dismissal during the IPL 2025 season opener between the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens was a thrilling moment. Even though the all-rounder for KKR was eventually dismissed for 44 off 26 balls, the contentious incident caused the RCB players to doubt the ruling.

Rasikh Salam bowled Sunil Narine a cutting short delivery in the seventh over, which he tried to avoid. In the process, his bat clipped the stumps, igniting the bails. But because of his height, the umpires gave him a wide signal and declared him not out because Jitesh Sharma, the wicketkeeper, had already picked up the ball and Narine had finished playing the delivery.

Isn’t it a hit wicket?? 👀@grok what’s your thoughts? #RCBvsKKR #KKRvsRCB #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/AVIBLsbj0l

— Skilled Insaan (@skilledinsaan) March 22, 2025

What prevented Sunil Narine from receiving a hit wicket?

If a batter breaks their stumps while playing the ball, starting for a run, or taking a second hit to protect their wicket, they are out-hit wicket, according the MCC Laws of Cricket. If the stumps are shattered after the shot has been played and the delivery is finished, the hitter is still in the game. The umpires declared it a non-dismissal under Law 35.2 because Narine’s bat struck the stumps after the ball had been securely in the wicketkeeper’s gloves.

In the meantime, RCB had won the toss and chosen to bowl first under the leadership of recently appointed captain Rajat Patidar. Josh Hazlewood got them off to a fantastic start by dismissing Quinton de Kock for only four runs in the opening over. However, Narine’s 44 off 26 balls and captain Ajinkya Rahane’s 25-ball half-century helped the reigning champs recover in spectacular fashion.

Rahane was dismissed after scoring 56 off 31 deliveries as KKR reached 107/2 in 10 overs. Rahane and Narine’s second-wicket partnership of 103 runs in 54 balls put the team back in the game. Rasikh’s fantastic length ball caught an edge and went straight to the keeper, dismissing the West Indian.

Despite taking Narine’s wicket, Rasikh gave up 35 runs in his three overs as the RCB bowlers struggled to contain the run flow. Josh Hazlewood, who took 1/8 in his two-over session, was the only bowler who kept things under control. But Krunal Pandya showed his class by dismissing Venkatesh Iyer (6 off 7) and Rahane (56 off 31).