RCB vs DC IPL 2026: Jitesh Sharma Takes 'Gravity Defying' Catch To Dismiss Sameer Rizvi - Watch

Royal Challengers Bengaluru made a strong start in defence of 175 against Delhi Capitals, helped by a stunning moment from wicket-keeper Jitesh Sharma. During the IPL 2026 clash at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Jitesh pulled off a one-handed catch to dismiss Sameer Rizvi, adding to the early damage already caused by the RCB new-ball attack.

The surface in Bengaluru played slower in the second innings, making stroke-play difficult and helping the bowlers. RCB used that grip to apply pressure straightaway, targeting wickets inside the powerplay rather than only containing runs. Tight bowling and sharp fielding combined to leave Delhi struggling in a chase that had looked manageable on paper.

IPL 2026: Bhuvi's Spell Sets The Tone Early On

Bhuvneshwar Kumar opened the bowling under lights and found movement in the air from the first over. On the fourth delivery, Pathum Nissanka advanced down the pitch but missed a swinging ball, falling leg-before for one. In Bhuvneshwar's next over, Kurun Nair tried to attack a short-of-length delivery outside off, but mistimed the shot.

Nair's stroke lacked elevation and placement, allowing Phil Salt to sprint in and dive forward for a low catch. Two balls later came the standout effort. Sameer Rizvi tried to drive on the up through the off side, yet only edged the ball thickly. Jitesh dived full length to the right and clung on one-handed, drawing loud cheers.

By the time Bhuvneshwar completed his opening burst, Delhi Capitals were 22/3 after three overs. Bhuvneshwar's figures stood at 3/9 from two overs, putting the chase in serious trouble. With three top-order wickets down early, the required scoring rate rose quickly, especially with the ball gripping and making boundary shots less dependable.

Earlier, RCB's batting effort was built around Phil Salt, who struck 63 from 38 balls. Salt hit four fours and three sixes, scoring at a strike rate of 165.79. Tim David supported with 26 from 17, but most other batters struggled to time shots cleanly. Bengaluru managed only eight runs in the last two overs, closing on 175/8.

For Delhi, the reply relied heavily on KL Rahul, who counter-attacked to keep hopes alive. Rahul moved to 30 from 16 balls during the early phase, with three boundaries and two sixes. At the time of writing, DC were 70/3, with KL Rahul on 44 not out, chasing RCB's 175/8. Axar Patel took 2/18, while Kuldeep Yadav finished with 2/32.

IPL 2026: Fans Celebrate Jitesh Sharma's Catch

The spectacular wicket-keeping effort from Jitesh became a major talking point among supporters. Many fans highlighted the reflexes and full-length dive that turned a thick edge into a wicket. Social media reactions praised Jitesh's athleticism and the intensity of RCB's fielding, seeing the catch as a key moment in shifting control firmly towards Bengaluru.