Ayush Mhatre pulled up for bat test, umpire’s error sparks bizarre chain of events; Clarke stunned: ‘Oh my god’

The umpire failed to measure Ayush Mhatre's bat correctly and it triggered a bizarre sequence of events on Friday in Chennai.

Updated on: Apr 3, 2026, 21:23:44 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Ayush Mhatre had a nervy moment after Sanju Samson's dismissal on Friday in Chennai. With the Chennai Super Kings opener losing his wicket to Xavier Bartlett in the final ball of the second over, Mhatre arrived at No. 3, but first had to undergo a bat test.

Ayush Mhatre was involved in a bizarre sequence of events. (X)

Initially, his bat didn't pass through the gauge. To add more awkwardness to the bizarreness of it all, his second bat also didn't pass through the gauge. Then the umpire tested his first bat again and realised he wasn't holding the gauge correctly to measure it. On realising, the first bat passed through the gauge, and the match resumed.

Also Read: Ian Bishop says sorry to Ruturaj Gaikwad for ‘dragging on’ with the toss due to loud Chepauk crowd: ‘I don’t know long'

‘Oh my god!’: Michael Clarke

Reacting to the incident, commentator Ian Bishop explained, "The gauge was upside down."

Meanwhile, co-commentator Michael Clarke exclaimed, "Oh my god!"

The former Aussie player continued, "Oh my god!"

Clarke's reaction perfectly summed up the sequence of events in a world-class cricket tournament like the Indian Premier League.

Nervy moment for Ayush Mhatre

It was a nervy moment for Mhatre and his team, given Samson's early dismissal. Receiving a length delivery on middle and off, Samson tried to go inside-out, but ended up nicking it to Prabhsimran behind the stumps for a catch. The India international departed for seven off seven balls.

The incident also left fans in stitches. Reacting to the incident, one fan wrote on X, "LOL...Umpire put the gauge to measure the bat thickness upside down and it didn't pass through Ayush Mhatre's bat. Sub ran in to give two more bats and those didn't go through either before the ump realises he's putting it upside down. Original bat passes then Ultimate."

"A funny drama happened at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Umpire reviewed Ayush Mhatre's bats with the Upside down device which made him call for the next bat but later the umpire smiled for his foolishness. finally All good. Things happened by the umpires as well," another fan added.

There have been some controversial bat-test incidents in the past, such as in 2026, when Rahul Tewatia was forced to change his bat after it failed the on-field gauge test before he could face a single ball. In the past, even Sunil Narine, Anrich Nortje and Andre Russell have failed bat tests.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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