Match 42 of IPL 2026 saw GT defeat RCB by four wickets. But it was not without controversy. The game saw tempers flaring during RCB's innings when Jason Holder's catch to dismiss Rajat Patidar was given out.
But RCB felt that the catch was not clean and protested. However, the decision was not overturned.
Virat Kohli Unhappy About Catch
One man who was visibly upset from beyond the boundary was Virat Kohli. Kohli was seen having an animated chat with the umpires. The decision finally stood and Patidar had to go. In the end, RCB managed just 155 and GT won with 25 balls to spare.
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Ravichandran Ashwin Ends Controversy
But an India veteran has now put the controversy to rest. Ravichandran Ashwin has said that the catch was clean. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin highlighted that while the ball was visible, Holder's hands were bigger than everyone elses so it was not necessary that it should be touching. Ashwin added that he, as a neutral, felt it was clean and understood why those in RCB would feel unlucky.
"Jason Holder's hands is twice as big as mine. In his hands, the ball almost disappears. So, even if you guys can see the ball through the gap in his fingers, that does not mean that the ball has hit the floor. He has probably wrapped it around. The ball, perhaps, did not touch the ground," he said.
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"If you are on the RCB side, you might feel that he is unlucky. If you look at it from the GT side, it is a clean out. But if you are viewing it as a neutral, it is completely fair catch," he added.
GT never really lost their way despite losing six wickets. RCB fought hard but a target of 156 was always going to be an easy chase for a batting line-up that had the likes of Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler.
How Are RCB and GT Placed in IPL 2026?
RCB are currently in 2nd position on the points table while GT are in 5th place. RCB are the defending champions while GT won in their 1st season back in 2022. As of now, all 10 teams have a shot at the Playoffs with four slots available and 28 games left in the league phase.
Will We Have a New Champion?
RCB next play LSG on May 7 while GT take on PBKS on May 3. By May 24 we shall know which four teams are in the Playoffs. On May 31 we shall see who are the winners. We could have a new champion or an old one. Only time will tell!