The IPL 2026 season has already begun delivering the high-octane drama and technical intrigue that fans crave. In a gripping encounter at the Mullanpur Stadium in New Chandigarh this Tuesday, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) secured a thrilling three-wicket victory over the Gujarat Titans (GT). However, while the scoreboard told the story of a PBKS resurgence, a rare technical intervention involving GT’s finisher Rahul Tewatia stole the headlines, highlighting the BCCI’s stringent new oversight on equipment.
GT batter Rahul Tewatia forced to change bat after failing to pass the rim test
In a moment that paused the momentum of the GT innings, Tewatia was forced to change his bat mid-over after it failed to pass the official rim test. As Tewatia prepared to take his stance, the on-field umpires intervened to measure the dimensions of his willow using the official BCCI gauge. The tool, designed to ensure bats do not exceed the maximum allowed thickness and edge depth, would not fit over Tewatia’s bat.
The gauge test, a pass/fail rim was introduced to maintain a fair balance between bat and ball by preventing the use of oversized monsters that have dominated T20 cricket. Under MCC Law 5, which the IPL strictly enforces, the width of the bat must not exceed 10.8 cm, the depth at the edge cannot be more than 4 cm, and the overall depth must be within 6.7 cm. Tewatia appeared visibly surprised but complied immediately, returning to the dugout to swap his equipment. The delay added a layer of psychological pressure to an already tense GT middle-order collapse, serving as a reminder that in 2026, the margin for error is non-existent, even in the wood a player carries.
Here’s the video:
Unexpected twist right in the middle of the game 👀
The umpires step in and stop Rahul Tewatia as his bat doesn’t meet the regulations! 😮#TATAIPL 2026 | #PBKSvGT | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/8O2J6XJtcm pic.twitter.com/txanPzNCPk
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 31, 2026
Also READ: Fans go wild as Cooper Connolly holds his nerve to steer PBKS past GT in IPL 2026 thriller
Cooper Connolly shines as Punjab Kings clinches a thriller against GT
On the field of play, the Gujarat Titans struggled to find a high-gear rhythm after being put in to bat. Despite a steady start from skipper Shubman Gill (39 off 27) and a calculated 38 from Jos Buttler, the PBKS bowling attack proved too disciplined. Vijaykumar Vyshak was the standout performer, dismantling the GT core with figures of 3/34, while the evergreen Yuzvendra Chahal stifled the scoring rate with 2/28. GT eventually finished with a modest 162/6, a total that felt 15-20 runs short on a pitch that offered consistent bounce.
The chase was far from a cakewalk for Punjab. GT’s Prasidh Krishna bowled with searing pace and intent, claiming 3/29 and putting the PBKS top order in immediate trouble. However, the night belonged to young sensation Cooper Connolly. Displaying maturity beyond his years, Connolly anchored the innings with a brilliant, unbeaten 72 off 44 balls.
Navigating the spin threat of Rashid Khan with surgical precision, Connolly found boundaries at crucial junctures to keep the required rate under control. With the support of the lower order, PBKS crossed the finish line with five balls to spare, ending at 165/7. For Gill’s Titans, the loss marks a disappointing start to the campaign, leaving them to reflect on both their middle-order stutter and the technical mishap that briefly took the wind out of their sails.
Also READ: In pics: Meet Tanvi Shah, the glamorous girl in Gujarat Titans for IPL 2026
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