The saying “catches win matches” is gospel truth in cricket, and the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a treasure trove of spectacular catches over the years. These moments showcase a fielder’s peak athleticism, exceptional skill, and the kind of judgment that separates the good from the great. Let’s rewind and revisit five of the most epic catches that have left fans awestruck since the IPL’s inception in 2008.
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1. AB de Villiers: The One-Handed Wonder (2018)
South African legend AB de Villiers redefined the boundaries of human possibility with a superhuman effort at the mid-wicket boundary in 2018. While representing Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), he left everyone speechless with a one-handed blinder to dismiss Alex Hales of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The sheer audacity of the catch, plucked out of thin air, left even his captain, Virat Kohli, in disbelief. This grab is widely regarded as the most sensational catch in IPL history.
2. Chris Lynn: The Balancing Act (2014)
Australians seem to have a knack for defying gravity with their fielding heroics. Take Chris Lynn’s extraordinary catch in 2014, for example. Playing for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) against RCB, Lynn produced a blinder at the boundary rope. The catch, mid-air and precariously close to the ropes, demanded exceptional balance. With his back arched almost to the point of no return, Lynn defied the odds to stay within the boundary and complete a magnificent grab.
3. Suresh Raina: The Unexpected One-Handeder (2016)
Suresh Raina, one of India’s fielding greats, etched his name in the IPL record books with a breathtaking catch at the slips in 2016. While fielding for MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Raina surprised everyone with a stunning one-handed blinder to dismiss Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) Surya Kumar Yadav. The remarkable aspect? Raina, a left-hander, snagged the catch with his right hand, showcasing his exceptional reflexes and fielding prowess.
4. Kieron Pollard: The Two-Handed, Over-the-Fence Effort (2014)
Kieron Pollard, the former Mumbai Indians (MI) all-rounder, was a complete package – a powerful hitter and an agile fielder. In a 2014 match against Rajasthan Royals (RR), Pollard displayed his fielding brilliance with a stunning catch at long-on. Initially attempting a one-handed grab, his reflexes kicked in as he realized he would go over the fence. With a quick switch, he managed to get the ball airborne before tumbling over the boundary. The commitment didn’t end there – he dived forward and secured the catch in the end, leaving everyone in awe.
5. Evin Lewis: The Award-Winning One-Handed Sprint (2022)
Playing for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in 2022, Evin Lewis showcased his fielding brilliance with a sensational one-handed catch. Chasing a dangerous-looking Rinku Singh, Lewis displayed remarkable athleticism with a full sprint towards the ball. The one-handed grab effectively ended Singh’s innings and earned Lewis the well-deserved “Best Catch of IPL 2022” award.
These are just a few examples of the many incredible catches that have graced the IPL stage. These moments not only turn the tide of matches but also leave a lasting impression on fans and remind us of the incredible athleticism and skill possessed by these cricketers.
