Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has said that Rajat Patidar looked “unlucky” to be ruled out after a controversial catch by Jason Holder during IPL 2026 Match 42 between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans on Thursday. Kaif felt the decision went against Patidar, arguing that Holder’s attention was not fully fixed on the ball as another player approached, making it likely that the ball had touched the ground before the fielder completed the catch.
Controversial dismissal and RCB’s protest
Holder took a low catch at deep square leg to remove Patidar at a crucial stage of the contest, sparking disagreement from the RCB dugout. The RCB camp believed the ball made contact with the ground while Holder was in the process of completing the take. Virat Kohli was also seen speaking animatedly with the fourth umpire, and the RCB management stood firm on its view that the catch should not have been upheld.
Mohammad Kaif’s explanation on the catch
Kaif backed RCB’s perspective and suggested the key factor was Holder being distracted during the moment of the catch. He pointed out that Kagiso Rabada was moving towards Holder as the catch was attempted, which he said would make it difficult for a fielder to maintain full concentration solely on the ball.
- Kaif said Rabada was running towards Holder while the catch was being taken, creating unavoidable pressure on the fielder’s awareness.
- He argued that when a player is thinking about potential collision risks, the “hundred per cent” focus shifts away from tracking the ball perfectly.
- Kaif stated on X that he felt the ball touched the ground at the instant Holder first secured it.
- He added that Holder took time to settle the ball, and once his movement finished, he pulled himself up—yet Kaif believed the initial completion had already involved a ground touch.
Kaif’s comments were posted on X as he questioned the timing and control of the catch, asking the central question of whether it should have been judged out or not out.
RCB’s total and GT’s chase
On the field, Gujarat Titans bowlers kept RCB’s innings under tight control, restricting the hosts to 155 runs in 19.2 overs. Arshad Khan led the wicket haul with three wickets, while Rashid Khan and Jason Holder each picked up two.
- Arshad Khan: three wickets
- Rashid Khan: two wickets
- Jason Holder: two wickets
In reply, RCB’s batting contributions came mainly from Devdutt Padikkal, who made 40, and Virat Kohli, who scored 28.
Chasing 156, Gujarat Titans successfully reached the target with four wickets in hand and 15.5 overs remaining at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday. Shubman Gill played a major role, smashing 43 off just 18 balls to drive the chase forward. Jos Buttler also delivered a quickfire 39 off 19 deliveries, helping GT maintain momentum and close out the win.
Match outcome
Gujarat Titans won the encounter by four wickets after a chase powered by Shubman Gill’s 43 off 18 balls and Jos Buttler’s 39 off 19, following RCB’s 155/19.2 that was shaped by wickets shared among Arshad Khan, Rashid Khan and Jason Holder.
