The IPL 2026 season has concluded, solidifying a new dynasty in the league. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) successfully defended their title, joining the elite ranks of back‑to‑back champions such as Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians.
While Bengaluru celebrated team glory, individual honors highlighted moments of brilliance throughout the tournament. The Catch of the Season award was rightly bestowed upon veteran Indian batsman Manish Pandey of the Kolkata Knight Riders for a spectacular display of fielding.
The final match underscored how fielding can swing outcomes. A dropped catch gave Washington Sundar a lifeline, and a contentious review saw Virat Kohli’s edge ruled not out after a catch by Shubman Gill was consulted with the TV umpire.
The Catch of the Season: Pandey’s One‑Handed Wonder in Raipur
Amid a season rife with fielding errors, Pandey’s one‑handed grab to dismiss Tim David stood out as a masterpiece. The remarkable feat occurred during a high‑stakes group‑stage clash between the Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur, and is widely regarded as the best piece of fielding of the year.
How Pandey Executed the Catch
On the final ball of the 18th over, power‑hitter Tim David attempted a big finish, meeting a short‑length delivery from KKR pacer Kartik Tyagi with tremendous force. The ball raced toward the boundary, but Pandey, positioned at backward point, reacted instantly. He dived left, extending his non‑dominant hand and plucked the ball cleanly inches off the ground.
Virat Kohli, who was at the non‑striker’s end, was so impressed that he crossed the pitch to commend Pandey on his world‑class effort.