What are the ten best catches in the history of IPL?

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The Indian Premier League (IPL) is not just about big sixes and audacious batting. Over the years, the tournament has witnessed some breathtaking fielding displays, with catches that redefined athleticism and the course of matches. Choosing the absolute “best” is subjective, but here’s a look at ten sensational catches etched in IPL folklore:

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1. Kieron Pollard (MI vs RR, 2014) 

This isn’t one catch, but a gravity-defying two-in-one special from the big man himself, Kieron Pollard. Chasing a massive total against Rajasthan Royals, Ajinkya Rahane launched a six towards deep mid-wicket. Pollard, known for his exceptional fielding, timed his jump perfectly, reaching just above the boundary rope. But instead of settling for a six, he showed presence of mind. In mid-air, he flicked the ball back into the field with his right hand while ensuring his body stayed within the ropes. The airborne relay throw found Rohit Sharma at the boundary, who pouched the catch to complete a miraculous dismissal.

2. AB de Villiers (RCB vs SRH, 2018)  

AB de Villiers, synonymous with batting brilliance, has a knack for pulling off the unexpected. In this match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Alex Hales went for a big heave off Moeen Ali’s bowling. The ball soared towards the deep mid-wicket boundary, where a well-positioned de Villiers seemed to defy physics. He sprinted to his right, launched himself in a full-stretch dive, and with one hand outstretched, plucked the ball out of thin air inches from the rope. The celebration, a celebratory drop-kick of the ball, was almost as impressive as the catch itself.

3. Ajinkya Rahane (RR vs PWI, 2012)  

This catch showcased not just athleticism but also incredible anticipation.  Pune Warriors batsman Robin Uthappa, known for his clean hitting, smashed a powerful shot towards long-on. A young Ajinkya Rahane, then with Rajasthan Royals, anticipated the trajectory perfectly. He ran backward at full tilt, timed his jump to perfection, and with a full-body extension, grabbed the ball with both hands inches above the ground. The momentum almost carried him over the ropes, but Rahane stayed within the boundary to complete a stunning dismissal.

4. Chris Lynn (KKR vs RCB, 2014)  

Chris Lynn, the Australian powerhouse, is renowned for his six-hitting prowess. But in this match against Royal Challengers Bangalore, he displayed his fielding skills with a sensational catch. Chasing a big target, Virat Kohli launched a powerful shot towards the deep mid-wicket boundary. A leaping Chris Lynn, at full stretch, grabbed the ball with his right hand right at the peak of his jump. The sheer difficulty of the catch, considering Kohli’s reputation for big hits, made it truly remarkable.

5. Suresh Raina (CSK vs MI, 2010)  

Suresh Raina, the ‘Mr. IPL,’ wasn’t just a prolific scorer; he was also a fielding maestro. This catch, against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians, showcased his anticipation and athleticism. Rohit Sharma, then in his early prime, played a cut shot towards point. Positioned at mid-wicket, Raina anticipated the shot, ran across to his left at lightning speed, dived full length, and pouched the ball with one hand inches from the ground. The catch effectively stopped the flow of runs at a crucial juncture and cemented the reputation of Raina as a fielding great.

6. David Warner (SRH vs MI, 2016)  

David Warner, the explosive Australian opener, is known for his aggressive batting. But in this match against Mumbai Indians, he displayed his fielding prowess with a breathtaking catch. Kieron Pollard, known for his power-hitting, launched a big shot towards deep square leg. Warner, positioned there, ran backward at full tilt, judged the trajectory perfectly, and with a full-body extension, plucked the ball out of thin air with his backhand. The catch not only dismissed the dangerous Pollard but also showcased Warner’s remarkable reflexes and fielding awareness.

7. Ravindra Jadeja (CSK vs RCB, 2012)  

Ravindra Jadeja, the all-rounder extraordinaire, has made spectacular fielding a hallmark of his game. This catch, against Royal Challengers Bangalore, displayed his agility and acrobatic skills. Virat Kohli, chasing a big score, went for a big shot off the bowling of Ravichandran Ashwin. The ball ballooned towards Long-on, where Jadeja was stationed. With incredible anticipation, Jadeja ran backward at full tilt, judging the trajectory perfectly. He then flung himself in a spectacular diving leap, reminiscent of Spider-Man, and snagged the ball one-handed inches above the ground. The momentum almost took him over the ropes, but Jadeja, with exceptional upper body strength, pulled himself back in to complete a sensational dismissal. This catch not only turned the tide of the match but also cemented Jadeja’s reputation as one of the best fielders in the IPL.

8. Mohit Sharma (DD vs KXIP, 2016)  

While catches grab the spotlight, a crucial throw can be equally game-changing. In this match against Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Mohit Sharma, playing for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), displayed his exceptional arm with a rocket throw. Glenn Maxwell, known for his audacious batting, launched a powerful shot towards the deep mid-wicket boundary.  Mohit Sharma, stationed there, anticipated the shot, timed his jump perfectly to pouch the catch, and in a split second, unleashed a thunderbolt of a throw towards the striker’s end. The throw was flat, accurate, and powerful, catching David Miller short by a whisker. This brilliant display of fielding awareness and throwing accuracy put Delhi back in the game.

9. Trent Boult (MI vs CSK, 2018) 

Trent Boult, the Kiwi pace spearhead, is known for his swing bowling and wicket-taking abilities. But in this match against Chennai Super Kings, he showcased his fielding brilliance with a one-handed stunner. MS Dhoni, the legendary finisher, went for a big heave off Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling. The ball soared towards the deep mid-wicket fence, where Boult was stationed. With exceptional reflexes and a full-stretch dive, Boult plucked the ball out of thin air with his right-hand inches from the ground. The catch effectively stopped Dhoni in his tracks and played a crucial role in restricting Chennai’s total.

10. Riyan Parag (RR vs DC, 2019)  

While many on this list are established stars, Riyan Parag’s catch in 2019 proved that exceptional fielding can come from anywhere. In this match against Delhi Capitals, the young Parag, playing for Rajasthan Royals, defied gravity with a Superman-like effort. Shreyas Iyer, the Delhi batsman, launched a powerful shot towards the long-off boundary. Parag, stationed there, ran backward at full tilt, judged the trajectory perfectly, and with a leaping one-handed grab, plucked the ball out of thin air just as it was about to cross the ropes. The catch left everyone in disbelief, including the commentators, and announced Parag’s arrival as a potential fielding star.

These are just a few examples of the many catches that have graced the IPL over the years. With every season, new contenders emerge, pushing the boundaries of athleticism and redefining the standards of fielding excellence. The IPL has not only produced great batsmen and bowlers but has also become a breeding ground for some of the most agile and acrobatic fielders in the cricketing world.

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