Kamal Ghorui
A stunning moment in the field from Jason Holder turned into a heated talking point as Royal Challengers Bengaluru questioned the decision following Rajat Patidar’s dismissal. The incident unfolded when Arshad Khan banged in a short ball and Patidar went for the pull, only to get a top edge towards deep backward square leg. Holder, stationed in the deep, sprinted across to his right and pulled off a sharp low catch while diving forward. It was a moment of brilliance, one that could easily be counted among the best catches of IPL 2026. However, the drama didn’t end there. Several RCB players immediately raised concerns, suggesting that Holder might not have been in full control and that the ball could have touched the ground during the dive. The umpires, after a brief check, ruled in favour of the catch. The decision didn’t sit well with the RCB camp. Head coach Andy Flower was seen in an animated discussion with the fourth umpire, seeking clarification over the ruling. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli looked visibly frustrated near the boundary ropes, gesturing that Holder’s hand may have grazed the turf while completing the catch. The dismissal came at a crucial juncture. After early setbacks, Patidar and Devdutt Padikkal had steadied the innings with a quick 44-run stand. Earlier, Kagiso Rabada had removed Kohli for 28 despite the RCB star taking him on for five boundaries in an over, while Jacob Bethell fell cheaply. With Gujarat having opted to bowl first, Holder’s effort not only broke a key partnership but also shifted momentum, even as the debate around the catch continued to linger.
