Fresh controversy flared during the IPL 2026 encounter between Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru after Rajat Patidar was dismissed in the 8th over, triggering an animated reaction from the RCB dugout and particularly Virat Kohli.
How the dismissal happened
- In the 8th over, Patidar played Arshad Khan’s delivery off his bat, sending it towards deep fine leg.
- The ball hung in the air for a moment before Jason Holder came in with a sharp catch from deep backward square leg.
- As Holder completed the take, he narrowly avoided any collision with Kagiso Rabada.
- After reviewing the evidence, the on-field umpires concluded the catch was clean and Patidar was ruled out.
- With the decision upheld, Patidar’s quick knock ended at 19 runs from 15 balls.
RCB’s camp, however, did not accept the call. Kohli was seen having an energetic exchange with an official near the boundary line, appearing to argue that Holder was not fully in control of the catch because his left hand appeared to be down on the ground during the moment of completion. RCB head coach Andy Flower also joined the protest, but the on-field ruling stood and the outcome did not change.
The incident quickly became a hot topic online, with supporters split into two camps—some claiming Holder had grounded the ball before securing it, while others insisted the fielder had complete command throughout the take.
Before the controversy: toss and team news
- Earlier in the match, Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill won the toss and chose to bowl first against RCB.
- Gujarat kept faith with the same playing XI that appeared in their previous fixture.
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru also named the same team as in their last game.
- On the points table, the Titans were placed fifth, while RCB were second ahead of the contest.
