CSK vs PBKS: Ayush Mhatre fails bat test twice, umpire error sparks bizarre scenes

IPL 2026, CSK vs PBKS: Chennai Super Kings batter Ayush Mhatre was at the center of a bizarre bat test controversy in the group clash before responding with a stunning half-century at Chepauk.

In Short

• Ayush Mhatre was at the centre of a bizarre bat test controversy
• Mhatre’s bat failed to pass through the gauge during the umpire's test
• The umpire later realised that he had held the test gauge incorrectly

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash between Chennai Super Kings and Punjab Kings produced a rare and unusual moment on Friday, as a bat-gauge blunder involving young batter Ayush Mhatre left players, commentators, and fans stunned.

The incident unfolded early in CSK’s innings after Sanju Samson was dismissed by Xavier Bartlett on the final ball of the second over. Walking in at No. 3, Mhatre was subjected to a routine bat test, but what followed was anything but routine.

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Initially, Mhatre’s bat failed to pass through the gauge, prompting immediate concern. A replacement bat was brought out, but that too did not clear the test. In a bizarre sequence, even a second replacement failed, leaving the youngster in an increasingly awkward and uncertain situation at the crease as the delay stretched on.

However, the confusion soon gave way to disbelief. Upon rechecking, the on-field umpire realised that the gauge had been held incorrectly during the earlier attempts. When tested properly, Mhatre’s original bat passed without issue, bringing an end to the farcical sequence and allowing play to resume after a brief delay.

The moment left the commentary box stunned. Ian Bishop pointed out, “The gauge was upside down,” while Michael Clarke could only react with repeated disbelief, exclaiming, “Oh my god!”

The incident quickly went viral on social media, with fans amused by the rare officiating lapse and the sequence of failed bat checks before the eventual correction.

If the episode was bizarre, Mhatre’s response with the bat was emphatic. The 18-year-old settled quickly before launching into a fluent innings of 73 off 43 deliveries, striking six fours and five sixes at a strike rate of 169.77.

In doing so, Mhatre became the youngest player to score an IPL half-century at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, achieving the feat at 18 years and 261 days. He also joined an elite group featuring Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Prithvi Shaw for most fifty-plus scores in the IPL before turning 19.

His 73 now stands as the third-highest individual score in IPL history by a player under 19. Notably, his own 94 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru last season ranks second on that list, while the top spot belongs to Suryavanshi, who scored 101 against the Gujarat Titans at just 14.

Since making his debut, Mhatre has emerged as one of CSK’s brightest young prospects. Across nine innings, he has accumulated 313 runs at an average of 34.77 and a strike rate exceeding 183, including two fifties and a highest score of 94.

Drafted in as an injury replacement for skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, Mhatre had already made an impression in his debut season, scoring 240 runs in seven innings at an average of 34.28 and a strike rate touching 189.

On a night briefly overshadowed by an umpiring error, Mhatre ensured the lasting takeaway was his composure and authority with the bat.

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