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A controversial moment during the IPL 2025 season opener between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens left players and fans puzzled when Sunil Narine survived what appeared to be a hit-wicket dismissal. The KKR all-rounder, who eventually fell for 44 off 26 balls, had an unexpected reprieve after his bat clipped the stumps and dislodged the bails.
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What Exactly Happened?
In the 7th over, bowled by Rasikh Salam, Narine attempted to sway away from a sharp short-pitched delivery. However, in the process, his bat accidentally struck the stumps, causing the bails to light up. While the RCB players immediately appealed for hit wicket, the umpires ruled Narine not out, signaling a wide due to the delivery’s height. The decision led to confusion and debate among players and fans alike.
Why Was Sunil Narine Not Given Out?
According to the MCC Laws of Cricket, a batter is out hit wicket if they break their stumps while:
✔ Playing the ball
✔ Setting off for a run
✔ Making a second hit to protect their wicket
However, as per Law 35.2, a batter is NOT out hit wicket if:
- The stumps are broken after the shot has been played and the ball is considered “dead”
- The ball is safely in the wicketkeeper’s gloves
In Narine’s case, his bat made contact with the stumps AFTER the ball was collected by wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma, meaning that the delivery was already considered complete. As a result, the umpires ruled it a non-dismissal, and Narine continued his innings.
