Kuldeep Yadav came within touching distance of a memorable hat-trick during the IPL 2026 clash between Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, only to be denied by a dropped catch from Abishek Porel. The dramatic moment unfolded during the 14th over of KKR’s chase and completely shifted the momentum of the contest.
Kuldeep, who had already been building pressure with his variations, struck twice in consecutive deliveries to put Delhi firmly back in control. First, the left-arm wrist-spinner removed KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane, who had played a fighting knock of 63 runs from 39 balls. Rahane attempted to accelerate against Kuldeep but failed to get the desired connection, ending an innings that had kept Kolkata in the hunt.
WATCH – Mitchell Starc Takes Stunning Catch To Dismiss Cameron Green
On the very next delivery, Kuldeep produced another magical ball to dismiss Rinku Singh for a golden duck. The sudden double strike stunned the Eden Gardens crowd and handed Delhi a massive breakthrough at a crucial stage of the chase.
The hat-trick was right there! 🤏🥺
So close yet so far for Kuldeep Yadav 🫣
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/Uo07zwiknq#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #KKRvDC | @imkuldeep18 pic.twitter.com/pJ9wOsEIb4
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 24, 2026
With the fielders crowding around the bat, Kuldeep had the opportunity to complete a sensational hat-trick on the very next ball. Facing him was Tejasvi Singh Dahiya, who was immediately troubled by the spinner’s sharp turn and drift.
WATCH – Lungi Ngidi Outsmarts Finn Allen As KKR Opener Falls After Fiery Cameo
Kuldeep forced an outside edge, and the ball flew comfortably towards wicketkeeper Abishek Porel. However, in a shocking moment, Porel failed to hold onto what appeared to be a regulation catch behind the stumps.
The miss left Kuldeep visibly heartbroken as a rare IPL hat-trick slipped away. Despite the dropped opportunity, the spinner overturned the game heavily in Delhi Capitals’ favour as KKR’s middle order crumbled under pressure.
