WATCH IPL 2025: Umpire checks Hardik Pandya’s bat before he walks out to bat in DC vs MI clash

An unusual moment unfolded during the IPL 2025 clash between Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians at the Arun Jaitley Stadium as MI captain Hardik Pandya’s bat was subjected to a rare on-field examination. Just as Pandya walked out to bat in the 14th over, the umpire halted him for a detailed check using a bat gauge to ensure the bat met the legal specifications. The moment quickly went viral, sparking widespread debate and curiosity across the cricketing world.

The inspection was brief but thorough, with the umpire confirming that Pandya's bat adhered to ICC regulations before allowing him to proceed. The timing of the inspection, right in the middle of a high-pressure game, caught everyone—including commentators and fans—off guard. Though equipment checks are part of the rules, such instances are hardly seen mid-match, especially with high-profile players, adding a strange twist to the encounter.

Also read: PBKS vs KKR: Match 31 weather and pitch report IPL 2025

Despite the buzz, Pandya’s time at the crease was short-lived as he managed to score only 2 runs. The bat-checking incident, combined with his early dismissal, added to the game’s drama, which already featured Karun Nair’s explosive 89 and a dramatic collapse by Delhi Capitals in the death overs. The moment added an extra layer of intrigue to a match packed with action and unexpected developments.

🔥 Unreal Moment in IPL 2025! 🔥

Umpire checks Hardik Pandya's bat before his explosive entry! 💪🏏

#IPL2025 #HardikPandya pic.twitter.com/KoSe5HAVq0

— Maverick (@MaverickNeo07) April 14, 2025

MI get past DC's winning juggernaut

In a nail-biting IPL 2025 encounter, the Mumbai Indians edged past the Delhi Capitals by 12 runs in front of a packed crowd. MI set a daunting target of 205/5, led by a solid 59 from Tilak Varma and a fiery unbeaten 38 off 17 balls from Naman Dhir. On the bowling front, Kuldeep Yadav impressed DC with economical figures of 2/23, while Vipraj Nigam delivered key blows by dismissing Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya.

Delhi’s chase got off to a rocky start, with Jake Fraser-McGurk falling on the first delivery. But Karun Nair ignited hope with a brilliant 89 off just 40 balls, smashing 12 fours and 5 sixes. Abishek Porel added a useful 33, but once Nair was dismissed, the Capitals’ innings began to crumble. Karn Sharma’s three wickets turned the tide, and Mitchell Santner’s vital scalps, including the big wicket of Nair which pretty much sealed the momentum for MI. Delhi reached 193 in 19 overs but couldn’t cross the line, bringing their unbeaten streak to an end while MI bagged two crucial points.