The highly anticipated IPL 2026 final witnessed a crucial early breakthrough for Royal Challengers Bengaluru as captain Rajat Patidar produced a sensational catch to dismiss Shubman Gill and put Gujarat Titans under pressure.
After winning the toss, Patidar elected to field first, a decision that quickly paid dividends as RCB’s bowlers maintained disciplined lines and lengths to restrict the Titans’ top order. Gujarat had made a promising start, reaching 22 without loss and looking set to build a strong foundation on their home ground.
The turning point came in the third over of the innings when Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood tested Gill with a short-of-length delivery outside the off stump. Attempting an attacking stroke, the Gujarat skipper mistimed the shot, sending the ball high into the air towards the mid-off region.
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What a start for #RCB in Ahmedabad 🔥
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Patidar, stationed at mid-off, judged the trajectory perfectly and sprinted forward before completing a remarkable running catch. The RCB captain displayed excellent composure under pressure, keeping his eyes firmly on the ball to complete one of the standout catches of the tournament.
Gill’s dismissal for 10 runs off eight deliveries, including two boundaries, dealt an early blow to Gujarat’s innings and stunned the home crowd in Ahmedabad. The stadium fell silent as the Titans captain walked back to the pavilion, while RCB players celebrated a breakthrough that shifted momentum in their favor.
The spectacular catch has since emerged as one of the defining moments of the IPL 2026 final, with videos of the effort gaining widespread attention across social media platforms. Many cricket observers have described Patidar’s athletic effort as one of the highlights of the championship clash.