I wish they had checked the bats when I was playing: Daniel Vettori

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) head coach Daniel Vettori believes that umpires checking bat sizes with a gauge to ensure they meet required parameters is not going to make a big difference.

During the match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 15, KKR players Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and Anrich Nortje failed the on-field bat check. However, the batters were provided with replacements that eventually passed the test.

“I wish they had checked the bats when I was playing. No, I don’t think it makes any difference. The guys get tested regularly. The umpires go through the dressing rooms a lot of the time, so (the) guys know that their bats are compliant, so it’s just a quick one second, and everyone moves on. It will reset anyone trying to have a bigger bat, but it’s pretty easy to get your bat through that gauge," said Vettori ahead of the clash against Mumbai Indians, as quoted by News 18.

It’s just part of the game, part of the evolution: Vettori

The SRH head coach admitted the topic has not been discussed among his players and feels this will not lead to reduction in bat sizes. The former Kiwi player mentioned that the ability of bats to become larger without gaining weight is due to manufacturers meeting the evolving needs of batters. He noted it as part of the game’s natural evolution, adding that since fans enjoy high-scoring shots, reducing bat size is unlikely and does not concern him.

“Not really. I suppose the way that bats have been able to get bigger without an increase in weight, that’s a skill (to be credited) to the bat manufacturers and a demand for what batting groups or batters want these days. It’s just part of the game, part of the evolution. Everyone seems to enjoy sixes and fours, so I don’t think we’re going to get a reduction in bat size and it doesn’t really worry me," he added.

SRH will take on MI on April 17 at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.