RCB vs GT: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar's dismissal during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash against the Gujarat Titans (GT) has created controversy as Jason Holden picked up a stunning catch to remove the destructive batter at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
The incident happened in the eighth over of RCB’s innings. On the fourth ball of the over, Arshad Khan bowled a short delivery on the middle and leg stump. Patidar tried to play a pull shot but got a top edge, and the ball went high in the air. Holder, who was fielding at deep square leg, ran quickly to his right. At the same time, Kagiso Rabada was also moving towards the ball from short fine leg.
Holder then dived to his right and managed to catch the ball. However, as he landed, it looked like the ball may have touched the ground briefly while still in his hand. Despite this, the umpires decided that it was a clean catch. Batting great Virat Kohli, who was sitting at the team's dug-out, was also seen having a heated discussion with the fourth umpire.
Kohli was clearly not happy with the decision and kept talking to the fourth umpire until the end of the over. Meanwhile, Patidar stayed on the field for a short while, even though he had started walking back after the catch was taken.
What the rules say
The Laws of Cricket explain what counts as a fair catch under Law 33. According to Law 33.2.2, a catch is considered fair if the fielder is in control of the ball with their hand or hands, even if their hand is touching the ground. It also counts if the ball is held close to the body or gets stuck in the player’s clothing or protective gear.
Looking at the replays, it may seem at first that the ball touched the ground. But the footage also suggests that Holder had his hand underneath the ball, which means it may not have actually touched the ground directly. This is likely why the umpires ruled it a fair catch.