A major controversy unfolded during the IPL 2026 clash between the Gujarat Titans (GT) and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), with Virat Kohli visibly frustrated following the dismissal of skipper Rajat Patidar. The incident occurred in the eighth over when Patidar attempted a flick off Arshad Khan towards the leg side.
The ball hung in the air long enough for Jason Holder to sprint in from deep backward square leg and complete a low catch, narrowly avoiding a collision with Kagiso Rabada. After a brief assessment, the on-field umpires ruled the catch as clean, ending Patidar’s promising knock of 19 off 15 balls.
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However, the decision didn’t sit well with the RCB camp. Kohli was seen in an animated exchange with officials near the boundary, seemingly questioning whether Holder had full control of the ball, particularly given Holder’s hand appeared close to the ground during the catch. Head coach Andy Flower also showed visible concern, but the decision remained unchanged after review.
THE CONTROVERSIAL CATCH – What are your thoughts on the decision? 👀 pic.twitter.com/rbrdEQtkRr
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 30, 2026
RCB dugout is not happy wanted to check again landing of Holder.. Virat Kohli is arguing.. inspite 3rd Umpire gave out.. Patidar is caught btwn 3rd Umpire n Virat 😳 #RCBvsGT #GTvsRCb #RCBvGT #GTvRCB #IPL #Viratkohli #shubhmangill pic.twitter.com/Mw5CVG56Pa
— Cric_Lover 🏏 (@ankit_bhattar) April 30, 2026
Virat Kohli is unhappy with the decision by the third umpire on the catch of Rajat Patidar.
– Ball Clearly touch the ground 🤦 pic.twitter.com/jp1C6q9E60
— Sam (@Cricsam01) April 30, 2026
🚨 VIRAT IS UNHAPPY!!! 🚨
~Virat Kohli and RCB are not at all happy with Jason Holder’s catch.
~What’s ur call?? #RCBvsGT #IPL2026 pic.twitter.com/fGXgxRFkqJ— CricInfoX (@InfoCricX) April 30, 2026
The moment quickly became a talking point across social media, with fans divided over the legitimacy of the catch. While some believed Holder executed it cleanly under pressure, others argued that the ball may have brushed the ground, making it a questionable call.
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Earlier in the match, Shubman Gill won the toss and opted to bowl, with both teams fielding unchanged line-ups. With Gujarat Titans placed fifth and RCB sitting second on the points table, the high-stakes encounter was always expected to deliver drama—and this controversial moment only added to the intensity.
