High drama hit the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) took on the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL 2026. The match’s biggest talking point centred on RCB captain Rajat Patidar’s controversial dismissal, which triggered a heated reaction from Virat Kohli and sparked fresh debate about how such catches should be judged.
Controversy around Patidar’s dismissal
- The flashpoint occurred during a key stretch of RCB’s first innings, when the side was working to establish a strong base.
- In the eighth over, Patidar was on 19 and tried to accelerate with a pull shot to raise the tempo.
- Jason Holder reacted quickly, diving forward to take a low catch, while Kagiso Rabada moved in close as well, nearly leading to a coming-together between the two fielders.
- Replays did not provide a clear answer on whether the ball had touched the ground before Holder completed the catch.
- Even with uncertainty shown in the footage, the third umpire upheld the decision after the review, and Patidar was ruled out.
The wicket immediately upset the RCB camp at a crucial moment. Kohli, who had earlier struck a brisk 28 off just 13 balls to provide RCB with a quick start, was later seen near the boundary rope holding an extended discussion with the fourth umpire. His body language suggested he was seeking clarification, particularly because the replays did not offer decisive evidence.
Former umpire Anil Chaudhary—who had retired from IPL and international officiating last year—added fuel to the debate with a detailed assessment of what officials should weigh in similar situations. Chaudhary argued that Patidar should have been given not out.
Chaudhary said there are two core factors to consider: “control of the catch” and “body movement.” He explained that, in his view, before Holder had full control of his body, his palm moved downward and the ball appeared to touch the ground. “I think it was not out. I’m not sure what the TV umpire saw,” Chaudhary stated while discussing the dismissal with commentator Sumit Kumar Mishra.
Following Patidar’s dismissal, RCB suffered a sharp jolt. After the captain’s wicket, the team went on to lose three more wickets within the next four overs, leaving them unable to maintain stability.
In the end, RCB were dismissed for 155 runs in 19.2 overs. Arshad Khan was the standout performer with three wickets, as the Titans turned the controversy into momentum and tightened the grip on the contest.
