In cricket, changing the ball during an innings for various reasons is a normal occurrence. 

But in the KKR vs PBKS match at Mullanpur, something unusual happened --- A bat had to be replaced in the middle of the game.

No, this was not a batsman  being unhappy with its grip or it having broken. Just that the bat had to be changed due to umpire's intervention --- something which has not happened before in the IPL.

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The gangly KKR fast bowler Anrich Nortje had just come to bat. Around the start of the 16th over mark, the umpires checked his bat using a gauge. And they found it to be above the prescribed dimensions. The South African, who was playing in the first match of the season, was immediately ordered to change his bat.

According to ICC rules, the width of the bat face must not exceed 10.79 cm, the thickness of the blade must be within 6.7 cm, and the width of the edge cannot exceed 4 cm. The length of the bat should not exceed 96.4 cm. It is being said that Nortje's bat reportedly exceeded the thickness limit, making it non-compliant.

Apparently, the bats used to be formally scrutinised by the umpires in the dressing room. But in this season, umpires have been allowed to carry out the inspection on field.  A few batters found their main equipment checked in the previous matches too. Since it happens in the open, it has caught the attention of all and become big news. But bats being found above the prescribed dimensions and being ordered to be replaced aren't anything new. 

For the record, Nortje did get a new bat, but did not get a chance to use it, as Andre Russell was dismissed on the very next ball. All the drama for an innings in which he did not get to face even a single ball.

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