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Manish Pandey's diving catch in IPL 2026 match hailed as one of the best in IPL history
In the May 13 IPL clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders, Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 105 to chase 193, while Manish Pandey produced a breathtaking diving catch with his non-dominant hand off Tim David. The moment sparked wide acclaim and comparisons to top fielding feats, amid ongoing IPL career milestones for Pandey.
Why It Matters
The catch sparked debate on the best fielding moments in IPL history and highlighted Pandey's longevity in the competition, underscoring narratives around career resilience and elite fielding.
Timeline
8 Events
May 14, 2026: Article published
May 14, 2026
The article summarizing the match and the Pandey catch was published.
May 13, 2026: Umpire check referenced in report
May 13, 2026
The report notes a TV umpire check with the line 'Umpire had to check, was it Phillips?'.
May 13, 2026: Pandey features in all 19 IPL editions
May 13, 2026
The report states Pandey is the third player, after Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, to feature in all 19 IPL editions.
May 13, 2026: Pandey's 19th consecutive IPL season noted
May 13, 2026
Chopra noted that Pandey's appearance marked his 19th consecutive IPL season since his 2008 debut, continuing his long IPL career.
May 13, 2026: Aakash Chopra praises Pandey's fielding
May 13, 2026
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra praised Pandey for the catch, highlighting his elite fielding and drawing comparisons to Glenn Phillips.
May 13, 2026: Pandey's diving catch off Tim David
May 13, 2026
In the 18th over of the chase, Manish Pandey pulled off a spectacular diving catch with his non-dominant hand off a Tim David cut shot off Kartik Tyagi, stunning David and the field.
May 13, 2026: Kohli's 105* leads RCB to victory over KKR
May 13, 2026
In the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 105, his 9th IPL century, to help Royal Challengers Bengaluru chase down 193 and win with 5 balls to spare.
2014: Pandey's 94-run innings in the IPL final
2014
The piece recalls Pandey's iconic 94-run match-winning performance for KKR in the 2014 IPL final.