Earlier this week, the Kolkata Knight Riders faced a tough defeat against the Punjab Kings, struggling to chase down a meager target of just 112 runs in IPL 2025. The chaos was partly due to an unusual situation where three KKR players had to swap their bats after failing a gauge test mandated by the IPL's new compliance rules.

According to the updated bat size regulations, every bat must fit through a triangular plastic gauge that checks its width (4.33 inches), depth (2.68 inches), edge thickness (1.61 inches), and bulge curve (within 0.20 inches). Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Anrich Nortje all had their bats flagged and replaced during the match, adding to the already mounting pressure in the KKR dugout.

Dale Steyn humorously commented on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “Umpires have a new toy. Batters coming in with their 2nd choice bats… Check the scores… haha,” suggesting that the bat changes might have had a subtle effect on the team's performance in the tournament.

At first glance, the disruptions might seem minor, but they coincided with one of the most puzzling collapses in IPL history. While chasing a modest target of 112, KKR was bowled out for just 95, handing Punjab an incredible 16-run victory – marking the lowest total ever defended in the IPL.

There were moments of promise when Ajinkya Rahane (17 off 17) and Angkrish Raghuvanshi (37 off 28) put together a 55-run partnership for the third wicket, bringing the score to 62/2. With only 50 runs needed from 74 balls and eight wickets still in hand, it seemed like the game was in the bag.

But then came a disastrous collapse. KKR lost six wickets for a mere 17 runs, plummeting to 79/8 and ultimately getting bowled out in just 16 overs.

“It’s not like chasing 140 or 150, nor is it a 60-run target. It was a total that was always going to be tricky,” remarked former South Africa coach Mark Boucher on Star Sports after the match.

“They approached it a bit cautiously… I just don’t think the batters who came in played with the intensity that was required.”

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