On March 22, in the first game of the 2025 Indian Premier League, between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, a moment of hesitation arose as the RCB fielders appealed for a hitwicket dismissal against Sunil Narine. It happened in the fourth ball of the 8th over, when Rashik Salam directed a slight short of a length ball, and Narine left it. The ball bounced and passed way above Narine's height, and the umpire called a wide for the excessive height. Meanwhile, Narine became a bit laid back and touched his bat with the wicket. With that, the RCB fielders became a bit interested and appealed a hit-wicket, which the umpire dismissed. However, fans started taling about it, questioning the umpire's decision. Sunil Narine 😯 #KKRvsRCB pic.twitter.com/O8oEC4KhiD — Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) March 22, 2025 Sunil narine by by#KKRvsRCB #TATAIPL2025 pic.twitter.com/M3Oaz1zXu0 — ᴀᴅɪʙᴀ ᴋʜᴀɴ (@adiba891) March 22, 2025 Well, was that a hit-wicket? In cricket, a batter can be given out "hit wicket" even on a wide delivery if they dislodge the stumps while playing or preparing to play the ball. However, if the stumps are broken after the ball has passed and not during a shot attempt, the batter is not out. Read also: Watch: SRK Makes Rinku & Kohli Dance at IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony According to the official Laws of Cricket (Law 35 - Hit Wicket), a batter can indeed be given out "hit wicket" on a wide delivery. The key condition is that the batter must dislodge the stumps in the act of playing or preparing to play the ball, regardless of whether it is a legal delivery or a wide. However, if the batter dislodges the stumps after the ball has passed and they are not attempting to play it (for example, stepping back or losing balance unrelated to playing the shot), they would not be out. Rashik Salam clears Sunil Narine After being tormented with runs, Rashik finally got the gift of Narine's wicket. He played against Narine's weakness, delivered almost a short ball at the speed of 132 km/hr, directed outside. Narine, trying to connect it, got a thick outside edge. Jitesh Sharma, the keeper, yet again took a surprise catch, flexing his reflexes. However, before leaving, Narine scored 44 runs of 26 balls, hitting 5 boundaries and 3 sixes.