Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) fielder Manish Pandey produced a brilliant fielding effort that left Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) opener Virat Kohli stunned. Pandey took a stunning one-handed catch to dismiss Tim David, leading to a moment of disbelief before Kohli walked up and hugged the experienced fielder.
RCB moved to the top of the IPL 2026 points table after defeating the Kolkata Knight Riders by six wickets at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur on Tuesday, May 13. Chasing a target of 193 runs, Royal Challengers Bengaluru reached 194/4 in 19.1 overs with five balls remaining.
Manish Pandey Dives Full Length to Take Stunning One-Handed Catch
During the 18th over of the chase, Kartik Tyagi bowled a short delivery outside off stump. Tim David tried to play an aggressive shot behind point to increase the scoring rate. The ball traveled quickly toward backward point and looked set to beat the infield.
Manish Pandey reacted quickly inside the circle and dived sharply to his left. He stretched fully and completed a brilliant one-handed catch just inches above the ground to dismiss Tim David.
The catch initially created confusion because of the ball’s speed and Pandey’s diving angle. The on-field umpires referred the decision to the third umpire for review. After checking the replays, the television umpire confirmed the catch was clean. Tim David had to walk back after scoring two runs.
‘Astonished’ Virat Kohli Engages in Banter with Manish Pandey
Standing at the non-striker’s end, Virat Kohli looked stunned as the giant screen replayed Manish Pandey’s brilliant catch. After the third umpire confirmed the catch, Kohli walked over and shared a brief hug with Pandey.
The effort received immediate praise from players in both dugouts. Kartik Tyagi looked surprised after watching his teammate complete the full-length dive, while several Kolkata Knight Riders players reacted with disbelief before celebrating the dismissal.
Manish Pandey deserves a special appreciation for taking one of the greatest ever catches.
– The reaction of Tyagi, David and Kohli says it all, Kohli personally went and hugged him. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/rnvopYEW1w
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 13, 2026
Pandey is one of only four players from the inaugural IPL 2008 season still active in IPL 2026. Kolkata Knight Riders bought the experienced batter for INR 75 lakh at the auction, allowing him to continue playing alongside Rohit Sharma, Kohli, and MS Dhoni.
Virat Kohli Smashes Century During Run Chase
Chasing 193, Virat Kohli produced an unbeaten 105 off 60 balls, including 11 fours and three sixes, at a strike rate of 175. Devdutt Padikkal supported him with 39 from 27 deliveries, while Rajat Patidar added 11 runs during the chase.
Kolkata Knight Riders earlier posted 192/4 after important contributions from Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Rinku Singh. Rajat Patidar chose to field after winning the toss. Bhuvneshwar Kumar dismissed Finn Allen for 18 off eight balls before Josh Hazlewood removed Ajinkya Rahane for 19 from 13 deliveries.
Raghuvanshi added 68 runs with Green for the third wicket. He played a brilliant knock of 71 off 46 balls, while Rinku stayed unbeaten on 49 from 29 deliveries. Cameron Green also scored 32 from 24 balls. Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Rasikh Salam took one wicket each for Bengaluru.
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