Manish Pandey's one-handed screamer vs RCB among IPL's greatest catches: Aakash Chopra
Synopsis
In a season where nearly 175 catches have been dropped, Manish Pandey produced the antidote — a full-stretch, one-handed diving grab at backward point that Aakash Chopra has ranked among the finest in IPL history. The irony: KKR still lost by six wickets as Kohli made it look routine.
Key Takeaways
Manish Pandey took a stunning one-handed diving catch to dismiss Tim David during KKR vs RCB in Raipur .
Aakash Chopra called it one of the best catches in IPL history , noting nearly 175 drops have already occurred this season.
KKR lost the match by six wickets , with Virat Kohli scoring an unbeaten 105 off 60 balls .
RCB chased down 193 with five balls to spare , moving to the top of the IPL 2026 points table .
Pandey has now played all 19 IPL seasons — a milestone shared only with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma .
Manish Pandey produced what former India opener Aakash Chopra has called one of the greatest catches in IPL history, diving full-stretch to his left to dismiss Tim David during Kolkata Knight Riders' clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Raipur. Despite the spectacular fielding moment, KKR fell short by six wickets as Virat Kohli anchored an unbeaten century to seal the chase.
The Catch That Stopped the Stadium
The pivotal moment arrived on the final delivery of the 18th over, with RCB chasing 193. Kartik Tyagi bowled a sharp, skiddy delivery outside off stump, and Tim David swung hard, looking to drive the ball behind point. Positioned at backward point, Pandey reacted instinctively — diving fully and stretching to snare the ball just inches above the ground while still airborne.
For a brief moment, the stadium fell silent. Tyagi raised his arms in disbelief. David stood rooted, staring at the umpire, unsure if the catch was clean. Even at the non-striker's end, Kohli's expression betrayed the shock felt across both dressing rooms. Television replays only deepened the sense of wonder — each angle making the grab appear more improbable than the last.
Chopra's Verdict: A Gem in a Season of Drops
Speaking on JioStar, Chopra placed the catch in the highest bracket of IPL fielding moments, particularly given the context of a season marred by shoddy ground fielding.
'It was a stunning catch by Manish Pandey. We have seen nearly 175 drops already this season. But once in a while, we get a gem like this one. Manish dived full stretch to his left and pulled off a blinder. The umpire had to check two things. First, whether the ball had touched the ground. Second, whether it was Manish Pandey or Glenn Phillips. Because we are so used to seeing Phillips take these kinds of screamers,' Chopra said.
'But this time, it was Manish Pandey. It left everyone stunned. Tim David stood there in disbelief and said it was not possible. This catch will go down as one of the best in IPL history,' Chopra added.
Pandey's IPL Legacy and a Rare Milestone
Chopra also highlighted a remarkable statistical footnote: Manish Pandey has now featured in all 19 IPL seasons, a feat matched only by Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Notably, MS Dhoni has not played a single match this season, according to Chopra.
The catch, however, could not alter the match's outcome. Kohli finished unbeaten on 105 off 60 balls, supported earlier by Devdutt Padikkal at the top of the order. RCB completed the chase with five balls to spare, reclaiming the top position on the IPL 2026 points table.
What It Means Going Forward
RCB's win, built on Kohli's masterclass, reinforces their status as title contenders heading into the business end of IPL 2026. For KKR, the defeat underlines a fielding inconsistency that has cost them dearly this season — even as individual moments of brilliance like Pandey's screamer briefly threatened to change the game's complexion.
Point of View
The broader fielding crisis — 175 drops and counting — is a structural problem that one screamer cannot paper over. KKR's defeat despite such a moment of individual brilliance is a neat encapsulation of their season.
NationPress
8 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What made Manish Pandey's catch against RCB so special?
Pandey dived full-stretch to his left at backward point and caught the ball one-handed, just inches above the ground while still airborne, to dismiss Tim David. The difficulty of the take, combined with its timing in a high-pressure chase, led Aakash Chopra to rank it among the best catches in IPL history.
What did Aakash Chopra say about Manish Pandey's catch?
Chopra, speaking on JioStar, said the catch was a 'blinder' and that it 'will go down as one of the best in IPL history.' He noted the irony that the umpire had to confirm it was Pandey and not Glenn Phillips, given how accustomed fans are to Phillips taking such catches.
Did KKR win the match against RCB in Raipur?
No. KKR lost by six wickets. Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 105 off 60 balls to guide RCB to their target of 193 with five balls to spare, sending them to the top of the IPL 2026 points table.
How many IPL seasons has Manish Pandey played?
Manish Pandey has featured in all 19 IPL seasons, according to Aakash Chopra. Only Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma share that distinction. MS Dhoni has not played a match in IPL 2026 so far.
Where does RCB stand on the IPL 2026 points table after this win?
RCB reclaimed the top position on the IPL 2026 points table following their six-wicket win over KKR in Raipur.
