IPL best catches: A look at the best catches in IPL history
Published on: Feb 27, 2023 6:18 pm IST|Updated on: Feb 27, 2023 6:18 pm IST
IPL best catches: Catches are crucial in cricket as they can turn the game in a team’s favour. The Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen numerous stunning catches that showcase the fielder’s athleticism, skill, and judgement. These IPL best catches have even earned a spot in the list of the greatest catches of all time. The IPL’s history is filled with amazing catches that have left fans in awe.
IPL best catches
1. AB de Villiers (IPL 2018)
In IPL 2018, former South African batsman AB de Villiers’ incredible catch to dismiss Alex Hales of Sunrisers Hyderabad tops the list of all-time IPL best catches history. The catch was taken at the mid-wicket boundary line, where de Villiers leapt up and plucked the ball out of the air with one hand, in what was an absolute blinder of a catch. It was a remarkable display of athleticism, skill and judgement that left the entire stadium in awe.
The catch was so exceptional that even the skipper of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise, Virat Kohli, was stunned and ran across the field to embrace his teammate. The catch was a game-changer and helped RCB secure a much-needed victory against SRH.
2. Chris Lynn (IPL 2014)
Australian cricketers have always been known for their exceptional fielding skills, and Chris Lynn’s catch in IPL 2014 is a testament to this fact. While playing for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Lynn pulled off a gravity-defying catch at the boundary rope. The catch not only demonstrated his impeccable catching abilities but also his remarkable balance and athleticism.
Lynn’s catch was taken in mid-air while he was positioned near the boundary rope. As the ball was hit towards him, he ran towards it and timed his jump perfectly to catch the ball with both hands. However, the momentum of his jump caused him to fall backwards, and he had to arch his back to maintain his balance and prevent himself from touching the boundary rope. He then completed the catch with one hand while lying on his back, much to the amazement of the spectators and his teammates.
The catch was a game-changing moment and helped KKR secure a much-needed victory. Lynn’s incredible catch was appreciated by everyone, including his teammates, who rushed towards him to celebrate the moment. The catch was later hailed as one of the best catches in IPL history, and Lynn was praised for his outstanding fielding skills.
3. Suresh Raina (IPL 2016)
In IPL 2016, Suresh Raina showcased his brilliance in fielding by taking a stunning catch at the slips to dismiss Surya Kumar Yadav of KKR. With a leap in the air, Raina pulled off a one-handed catch that left everyone in awe. What made the catch even more impressive was the fact that Raina is a left-handed batsman but caught the ball with his right hand. This incredible catch is a testament to Raina’s athleticism and his ability to make the impossible seem effortless.
Related: IPL partnership records
4. Kieron Pollard (IPL 2014)
Kieron Pollard, the former all-rounder of the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL, was known for his exceptional fielding skills. In a match against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in 2014, Pollard pulled off a spectacular catch at long-on. While attempting a one-handed catch, he went over the boundary rope but managed to throw the ball up in the air before crossing the line. Despite losing his balance, Pollard regained his composure and dived forward to catch the ball in the end, completing one of the most memorable catches in IPL history.
5. Evin Lewis (IPL 2022)
Evin Lewis, who was playing for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), displayed a remarkable one-handed catch during the IPL 2022 season. In the match against an opponent team, he ran towards the ball to dismiss Rinku Singh, who was playing aggressively at the time. Lewis’s extraordinary catch, which was captured on camera, was later awarded the best catch of the season. The catch was a testament to Lewis’s exceptional athleticism and fielding skills. His quick reflexes and ability to judge the ball’s trajectory accurately allowed him to execute the catch flawlessly.
Related: IPL purple cap winners list