Kolkata Knight Riders’ Manish Pandey produced a moment of absolute brilliance in IPL 2026 as he pulled off a sensational one-handed catch during RCB’s 193-run chase against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Raipur on Wednesday. The dismissal left everyone stunned, not least the bowler and the RCB captain at the non-striker’s end.
How the catch unfolded
- With Royal Challengers Bengaluru pursuing a target of 193, Tim David attempted to cut a delivery from Kartik Tyagi.
- The ball raced off the bat and carried quickly toward the backward point area.
- Pandey sprinted and then launched into a full-stretch dive to his left, keeping his eyes on the ball.
- In one smooth motion, he completed a brilliant one-handed catch despite the pace and distance involved.
- Tyagi reacted immediately by putting both hands on his head, while Virat Kohli—stationed at the non-striker’s end—looked visibly stunned.
- Match observers and commentators hailed the effort as one of the standout catches of IPL 2026, and Kohli later walked over to Pandey to hug him in celebration.
Moments after the fielding highlight, Kohli made sure the chase ended in RCB’s favour. He underlined that being “under the pump” is often where a player’s best improvement comes from, saying “pressure is a privilege” after steering Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a six-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in their IPL 2026 encounter.
Kohli’s match-winning knock and RCB’s chase
- Virat Kohli entered the game having not reached a fifty in his previous four IPL matches, and he also came off two successive ducks.
- In Raipur, he turned the tide with an unbeaten 105 off 60 deliveries.
- His innings included 11 fours and three sixes as RCB chased down the 193-run target.
- Kohli completed his century in the penultimate over and celebrated in a restrained way—simply lifting his bat to acknowledge the applause from the crowd and dugout.
- After receiving the Player of the Match award, he emphasised that his celebration stayed modest because securing points mattered most.
In the post-match presentation, Kohli explained that he tried to manage nerves early and then played with clarity. He said he focused on staying calm, keeping his approach risk-free, identifying gaps in the field, and remaining in the moment rather than getting carried away.
He also spoke about the value of consistency, adding that he enjoys batting for long spells and sees performing at this level as an honour—something he believes helps him shape his character and continue growing as a batter.
“The celebration wasn’t a big one because we know the importance of points. There’s a reason why people say pressure is a privilege. Good pressure always makes you improve your game. You go a level up, you keep improving your game. I was nervous, I just wanted to get off the mark. My positions at the crease, not trying anything extravagant, find the gaps, staying in the present, I was able to back my game, risk-free cricket,” Kohli said.
He added: “All these factors were very pleasing for me. I just love batting. What an honour to be playing at this level. This is all I have done all my life. I want to make the most of everyday. You build your character.”
