“This Catch Will Go Down in IPL History”: Manish Pandey Screamer Leaves Aakash Chopra Stunned

Kolkata Knight Riders veteran Manish Pandey produced one of the standout fielding moments of IPL 2026 during KKR's clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, with the spectacular catch immediately drawing comparisons to some of the greatest grabs in tournament history.

The stunning effort left commentators, players and fans in disbelief, including JioStar expert Aakash Chopra, who called it one of the best catches ever seen in the IPL.

Speaking on JioHotstar's Champions Waali Commentary, Chopra praised both the athleticism and timing involved in the catch.

"It was a stunning catch by Manish Pandey. We have seen nearly 175 drops already this season. But once in a while, we get a gem like this one. Manish dived full stretch to his left and pulled off a blinder."

The catch became an instant talking point because of the degree of difficulty involved, especially under pressure during a high-intensity RCB-KKR encounter.

Chopra also joked that many initially assumed the catch had been taken by Glenn Phillips, who has built a reputation for extraordinary fielding efforts around the world.

"The umpire had to check two things. First, whether the ball had touched the ground. Second, whether it was Manish Pandey or Glenn Phillips. Because we are so used to seeing Phillips take these kinds of screamers. But this time, it was Manish Pandey."

Manish Pandey stuns Cricket legends

The reaction from RCB batter Tim David further highlighted how extraordinary the catch looked in real time.

"It left everyone stunned. Tim David stood there in disbelief and said it was not possible. This catch will go down as one of the best in IPL history."

Apart from the catch itself, the moment also reignited appreciation for Pandey's longevity in the IPL.

The veteran batter is one of only three players to feature across all 19 IPL seasons, alongside Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

"Manish Pandey has now played all 19 IPL seasons. Only Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have done the same," Chopra added.

Pandey's spectacular effort came during a crucial stage of IPL 2026, with KKR still attempting to keep their playoff hopes alive despite an inconsistent campaign.

While KKR eventually suffered a setback against RCB, Pandey's catch instantly entered the conversation alongside some of the tournament's most iconic fielding moments.