IPL 2026: Umpiring blunder forces Ayush Mhatre to undergo bat gauge test twice during CSK vs PBKS clash

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A strange and dramatic moment unfolded during Match 7 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 between Chennai Super Kings and Punjab Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, where a costly umpiring error briefly halted play. Young batter Ayush Mhatre found himself at the center of an unusual bat controversy before going on to deliver a memorable innings.

The incident occurred when Mhatre walked in to bat at number three, following the dismissal of Sanju Samson. As the youngster prepared to take guard, on-field umpire Abhijit Bhattacharya stopped him, suspecting that his bat did not meet the permissible size regulations.

Mhatre’s bat was subjected to a gauge test, which checks whether the dimensions fall within the legal limits. To everyone’s surprise, the bat appeared to fail the test. The confusion deepened when Mhatre called for a replacement bat from the dugout, only for that to seemingly fail as well.

However, the situation took a bizarre turn when it was revealed that the umpire had been using the bat gauge incorrectly—holding it upside down. This error caused the bat to get stuck midway, creating the false impression that it exceeded the allowed thickness. After a brief discussion and Mhatre pointing out the issue, the umpire corrected his method. The bat then passed the test, and play resumed, much to the relief of the CSK camp.

UMPIRE TOOK TIME FOR CHECKING BAT OF AYUSH MHATRE #AyushMhatre #SanjuSamson #PBKS #CSK #PBKSvsCSK #ShreyasIyer

— Somesh Jangra (@CelebrityGalax) April 3, 2026

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If the early interruption rattled Mhatre, he showed no signs of it once the game resumed. The 18-year-old took a few deliveries to settle in but soon shifted gears with confidence and flair.

After cautiously facing his first four balls, Mhatre unleashed an attacking display, scoring 23 runs off his next ten deliveries. His intent and composure stood out, especially against a disciplined Punjab bowling unit. He stitched together a crucial 96-run partnership with CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad (28), stabilizing the innings after an early setback. The partnership proved vital in building momentum on a surface that often demands patience.

Mhatre’s innings turned historic as he registered a stunning 73 off 43 balls, decorated with six fours and five sixes. With this effort, he became the youngest player to score an IPL fifty at Chepauk, surpassing a long-standing record previously held by Suresh Raina. The youngster showed particular dominance against pace, taking on Arshdeep Singh with three consecutive boundaries and dispatching Marco Jansen for multiple sixes. His fearless stroke play lifted CSK to a commanding position.

CSK capitalized on Mhatre’s brilliance, posting an imposing total of 209/5 in their 20 overs. Valuable contributions came from Shivam Dube, who remained unbeaten on 45 off 28 balls, and Sarfaraz Khan, who added a quickfire 32 off just 12 deliveries. For Punjab Kings, Vijaykumar Vyshak was the standout performer with figures of 2/38, while Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett and Yuzvendra Chahal chipped in with a wicket each.

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