With Kolkata Knight Riders effectively out of the contest against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Wednesday, May 13, Manish Pandey produced a moment of brilliance that left even centurion Virat Kohli stunned during RCB's six-wicket victory in Raipur.
Positioned at backward point, the veteran flung himself full stretch to his left to dismiss Tim David off Kartik Tyagi's bowling, completing a stunning one-handed catch just inches above the turf.
The reaction on the field said it all. Tyagi himself looked stunned, while Kohli could help but appreciate that brilliant effort even in the midst of the battle. Even the RCB dugout struggled to believe what Pandey had pulled off.
With IPL 2026 already producing several spectacular efforts in the field, here's a look at the leading contenders for the catch of the season award.
1. Manish Pandey (KKR) vs RCB
Pandey's blinder against RCB immediately enters the catch-of-the-season debate. Tim David hammered a flat cut shot that seemed destined to beat backward point, but Pandey reacted instantly, diving full length and plucking the ball one-handed with his weaker hand just above the ground.
The lack of reaction time made the catch even more extraordinary, especially given the pace at which the ball travelled.
Watch the video below to see Pandey's sensational reflex catch.
2. Shreyas Iyer & Xavier Bartlett (PBKS) vs MI
The Punjab Kings captain produced a moment of athletic brilliance to create one of the best relay catches in IPL history. Shreyas Iyer chased Hardik Pandya's towering hit at long-on, leapt high near the ropes and flicked the ball back into play while airborne before Xavier Bartlett safely completed the catch.
The effort showcased elite awareness, timing and teamwork under pressure.
ALSO READ | IPL 2026: Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav Left Stunned By Shreyas Iyer's 'Catch Of The Tournament' Contender
Watch the video below to relive the stunning relay catch.
3. Phil Salt (RCB) vs SRH
Phil Salt produced one of the tournament's earliest standout catches in Match 1 of the season when he dismissed Ishan Kishan near the deep point boundary. Sprinting across the ropes, Salt timed a desperate one-handed dive perfectly to complete a stunning catch while preventing a certain boundary.
The amount of ground he covered and his ability to grab onto the ball one-handed made it one of the best boundary catches of the season.
Watch the video below to relive Salt's incredible effort.
4. Heinrich Klaasen (SRH) vs CSK
Heinrich Klaasen showed remarkable athleticism against Chennai Super Kings with a spectacular one-handed diving effort at mid-off to dismiss Ayush Mhatre. Sprinting to his left, Klaasen launched himself airborne before safely securing the catch while crashing hard onto the turf.
The distance covered and the composure to hold onto the ball made it a standout moment.
Watch the video below to catch Klaasen's superb airborne grab.
5. Rovman Powell (KKR) vs SRH
Klaasen was at the receiving end of this spectacular effort from Rovman Powell, which was as fearless as it was athletic. Sprinting across deep mid-wicket, Powell completed a full-length one-handed dive and held onto the ball despite smashing his sunglasses on impact with the ground.
The commitment shown in the attempt elevated it into one of IPL 2026's most memorable fielding moments.
Watch the video below to relive Powell's stunning effort.
6. Rovman Powell (KKR) vs LSG
Powell features twice on this list after another brilliant catch against Lucknow Super Giants. Chasing a high ball while running backward, Powell tracked it over his shoulder before safely completing the effort by throwing his body across the turf while holding onto the ball with both hands.
His judgement of the ball and athleticism to complete the effort made it another exceptional catch.
Watch the video below to see Powell's second catch-of-the-season contender.
ALSO READ | KKR Playoff Qualification Scenario: How Virat Kohli's Record 9th Century Changed The IPL 2026 Points Table
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.