'Umpires have a new toy' - Dale Steyn takes cheeky dig at bat-check rule amid low-scoring encounters

Dale Steyn. (Source - Getty Images)

The has been a significant point of discussion in the 2025 IPL. Amidst this, legendary fast bowler humorously commented on the rule, suggesting that the "new toy" of the umpires has led to decline in scores since its implementation.

In a recent match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), the on-field umpires inspected three KKR batters, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Anrich Nortje. All three , prompting them to change their bats.

As per the rule, "the blade of the bat shall not exceed:: width 4.25 inches, depth 2.64 inches and edges 1.56 inches. Furthermore, it should be able to pass through the bat gauge." The other instructions are:

• Except for bats of size 6 and less, the overall handle shall not exceed 52 percent of the overall length of the bat

• The material for covering the blade shall not exceed 0.1 cm in thickness

• The maximum permitted thickness of the protected material placed on the toe of the blade is 0.3 cm

Umpires have a new toy.

Batters coming in with their 2nd choice bats…

Check the scores… haha

— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) April 15, 2025

No intent shown by the KKR batters: Mark Boucher

Meanwhile, following KKR's loss to PBKS, South African wicketkeeper criticised the defending champions approach to the match. The former cricketer pointed out that despite a decent start, KKR's batters failed to capitalise on it. He added that the total they were chasing was awkward, not too high or low, and required the batters to play with intent.

"It's not like a 140 or 150, and it's not like a 60-run target. It was a total that was always going to be awkward. As a batting team, you're expected to go out and get it. I just think they batted themselves into a bit of a hole. They got off to a decent start after the two wickets and then came out quite tentative. It’s strange, especially for a team that had just come off a win. So yeah, I just don’t think the batters came in with the intensity they needed," Boucher said on Star Sports.

The three-time champions, suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of PBKS and will next face Gujarat Titans (GT) on April 21 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.