The IPL 2026 season has already started delivering the high-octane drama and technical intrigue that fans crave. In an exciting encounter at the Mullanpur Stadium in New Chandigarh this Tuesday Kings of Punjab (PBKS) clinched a thrilling three-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans (GT). However, while the scoreboard tells the story of a PBKS revival, a rare technical intervention involving a GT finisher Rahul Tewatia It stole the headlines highlighting BCCI’s new tight control over equipment.
GT batsman Rahul Tewatia was forced to change his bat after failing the ring test
In a moment that halted the pace of the GT innings, Tewatia was forced to change his bat in the middle as he failed the official ring test. As Tewatia prepared to take his stance, the on-field umpires intervened to measure the willow using the official BCCI measuring device. The tool, designed to ensure that bats do not exceed the maximum allowable thickness and edge depth, would not fit Tevatia’s bat.
The size test, pass/fail ring was introduced to maintain a fair balance between bat and ball while preventing the use of oversized monsters that dominate T20 cricket. According to MCC Law 5, which is strictly enforced by the IPL, the width of the bat should not exceed 10.8 cm, the depth at the edge should not exceed 4 cm and the overall depth should not exceed 6.7 cm. Tewatia was clearly surprised, but immediately complied and returned to the shelter to change her gear. The delay adds a layer of psychological pressure to the already strained midrange collapse of GT, reminding us that in 2026 there is no margin for error, even in player-carried wood.
We present the video:
Unexpected turn right in the middle of the game 👀
The umpires come in and stop Rahul Tevatiya because the bat is not up to the rules! 😮#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 gets fired up to lead PBKS past GT in an IPL 2026 thriller.
Cooper Connolly shines as Punjab Kings pull out a thriller against GT
On the field, Gujarat Titans struggled to find a high-gear rhythm after being put into bat. Despite a steady start from the captain Shubman Gill (39 off 27) and from the calculated 38 If ButtlerThe PBKS bowling attack has been very disciplined. Vijay Kumar Vishak It was an evergreen standout performer, busting out the GT core with 3/34 figures. Yuzvendra Chahal He stifled his scoring rate with 2/28. GT eventually finished with a modest 162/6, with few runs on a pitch that offered just 15-20 consecutive bounces.
The chase was far from a cake walk for Punjab. GTs Prasidh Krishna Claimed 3/29 and smothered PBKS with high tempo and intent that immediately put them in trouble. But the night belonged to the young sensation Cooper Connolly. Showing maturity beyond his years, Connolly anchored the innings with a brilliant, unbeaten 72 off 44 balls.
Navigating the danger of rotation Rashid Khan with surgical precision, Connolly found the boundaries at crucial points to keep the required speed under control. With the support of the lower order, PBKS crossed the finish line with five balls to end at 165/7. The loss marks a disappointing start to the campaign for Gill’s Titans, forcing them to reflect on both their mid-table stutter and a technical glitch that briefly took the wind out of their sails.
Also READ: In Pictures: Meet Tanvi Shah, the hottie in Gujarat Titans for IPL 2026
