Best Catches in IPL History – Top 10 Greatest Catches Ever

Best Catches in IPL History

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a professional Twenty20 cricket league in India. The league was founded in 2008 by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and currently consists of eight teams representing different cities in India. The league is known for its high-intensity matches, star-studded lineups, and extravagant ceremonies. The IPL has been a major success since its inception, with its popularity growing rapidly both in India and around the world. The league has a unique player auction system where each team is allowed to bid for players from a pool of domestic and international players. This has resulted in some of the world’s top cricket players coming to India to play in the IPL.

The year 2024 is set to be significant for all ICC teams as it will feature several important cricket series and competitions. The International Cricket Council has released the Future Tours Programme (FTP) to ensure that all teams have a fair chance to tour and play against each other. The FTP provides a framework for each cricket board to plan their tours in advance, using a pre-set itinerary of series trips.

The list of upcoming cricket matches and competitions for 2024 has been made available, along with other important information such as schedule and location. However, if a team is unable to travel to a particular country due to security concerns, the bilateral series may be moved to a neutral location such as the United Arab Emirates or another nation with suitable facilities, with the consent of both teams’ respective boards. Pakistan is a prime example of a team that has played a large portion of their domestic bilateral series on Emirates soil due to security concerns. This approach allows teams to continue playing cricket and ensures that the spirit of the game is not compromised by security issues in any particular country.

Top 10 Catches in IPL History

The Indian Premiere League is played over a two-month period, typically starting in April and ending in May. Each team plays a total of 14 matches, with the top four teams qualifying for the playoffs. The playoffs consist of two qualifiers, an eliminator, and the final, where the winner is crowned the IPL champion. Apart from the on-field action, the IPL is also known for its glitzy opening ceremonies and the enthusiastic crowds that turn up to support their favorite teams. The league has also been a major platform for young Indian players to showcase their talent and earn a spot in the national team.

Over the years, the IPL has produced some of the most memorable moments in cricket history, including nail-biting finishes, stunning catches, and breathtaking centuries. The league has also been a major revenue generator for the BCCI, with several brands investing heavily in sponsorship and advertising during the tournament. In conclusion, the IPL has revolutionized cricket in India and has become a major global phenomenon. The league has provided a platform for both domestic and international players to showcase their talent and has been a major source of entertainment for cricket fans around the world.

Top 10 Best Catches in IPL History

Here is the list of the top 10 best catches in IPL history:

1. Chris Lynn, Kolkata Knight Riders Vs Royal Challengers Bangalore

In the 2014 IPL match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore, Chris Lynn took a remarkable catch to dismiss AB de Villiers.

During the 13th over of the match, de Villiers attempted to hit a shot over long-on off the bowling of Sunil Narine. However, he did not connect with the ball properly, and it went high into the air. Lynn, who was stationed near the boundary, sprinted towards the ball and managed to dive forward to take a sensational catch just inches above the ground.

The catch was widely regarded as one of the best in IPL history, with many fans and commentators marveling at Lynn’s athleticism and reflexes. It also proved to be a crucial moment in the match, as de Villiers was one of Royal Challengers Bangalore’s key batsmen.

2. Kieron Pollard, Mumbai Indians Vs Rajasthan Royals

During the 15th over of Rajasthan Royals’ innings, Stuart Binny hit a powerful shot towards deep mid-wicket off the bowling of Harbhajan Singh. The ball looked like it was going to clear the boundary, but Pollard, who was stationed near the ropes, leaped backwards and managed to catch the ball with one hand while still managing to stay inside the boundary rope.

What made the catch even more remarkable was the fact that Pollard had to judge the trajectory of the ball perfectly and time his jump to perfection, as he was running back at full speed towards the boundary. The catch was widely praised by fans and commentators, with many calling it one of the best catches ever taken in the IPL.

3. Jofra Archer,  Mumbai Indians Vs Rajasthan Royals

During the 19th over of Mumbai Indians’ innings, Kieron Pollard smashed a full toss from Tom Curran towards deep mid-wicket. The ball looked like it was going for a six, but Archer, who was stationed near the boundary, leaped backwards and plucked the ball out of thin air with his right hand. He then threw the ball back into play before tumbling over the boundary rope, completing one of the greatest catches in IPL history.

Archer’s catch was widely praised by fans and commentators, with many calling it one of the best catches ever taken in the tournament. The catch also proved to be a crucial moment in the match, as Pollard was one of Mumbai Indians’ key batsmen.

4. Evin Lewis, One-Handed Stunner in IPL 2022 Vs Kolkata Knight Riders

On Wednesday night, 2022, the DY Patil Stadium witnessed a thrilling Indian Premier League match between Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders, where the former team emerged victorious by just two runs. Lucknow Super Giants set a mammoth target of 210 runs while batting first, thanks to a remarkable opening partnership by Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul, which turned out to be the highest in the history of the Indian Premier League. Despite the daunting task, Kolkata Knight Riders put up a spirited fight with a valiant effort by Rinku Singh, who almost led his team to victory with his determined innings. However, Lucknow Super Giants held their nerves in the final over of the match, where Evin Lewis displayed a brilliant piece of fielding to catch Rinku Singh and turn the game in their favor, leading to a nail-biting finish where Kolkata fell just short by two runs.

In the 19th over of the match, Rinku Singh attempted to hit a slower and wider delivery by Marcus Stoinis over extra cover but ended up slicing it. Initially, the ball seemed like it would land between two fielders, but Evin Lewis, who was fielding at deep backward point, ran across and dived towards his left to take an incredible one-handed catch, which left everyone in awe.

5. Suresh Raina, Gujarat Lions Vs Kolkata Knight Riders

In an IPL match between Gujarat Lions and Kolkata Knight Riders in 2016, Suresh Raina took an excellent catch to dismiss Kolkata Knight Riders’ opening batsman Robin Uthappa.

It happened during the second over of Kolkata’s innings, when Uthappa attempted to loft a delivery from Praveen Kumar over the mid-off fielder. However, he didn’t get enough power behind the shot, and the ball went high in the air. Suresh Raina, who was fielding at mid-off, sprinted backwards and dived to his right to take a superb catch, inches off the ground. Raina’s stunning catch was crucial in dismissing one of Kolkata’s in-form batsmen early in the innings and helped Gujarat Lions secure a comfortable win by 5 wickets.

6. Trent Boult, Royal Challengers Bangalore Vs Delhi Capitals

During an IPL match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals in 2018, Trent Boult took a spectacular catch to dismiss the dangerous batsman, Virat Kohli.

It happened in the 8th over of Royal Challengers Bangalore’s innings, when Kohli tried to pull a short delivery from Harshal Patel towards the mid-wicket boundary. However, he didn’t quite get hold of the shot, and the ball went high up in the air. Boult, who was fielding at deep square leg, ran towards his left, covered a lot of ground, and then dived full length to take an incredible catch with both hands.

Boult’s stunning catch not only dismissed Kohli, who was in great form during that season, but also helped Delhi Capitals gain momentum in the match. Delhi Capitals went on to win the match by 5 wickets, thanks to some brilliant performances with both bat and ball.

7. Dwayne Bravo, Royal Challengers Bangalore Vs Chennai Super Kings

During an IPL match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings in 2015, Dwayne Bravo took an outstanding catch to dismiss AB de Villiers, one of the best batsmen in the world.

It happened in the 17th over of Royal Challengers Bangalore’s innings, when de Villiers tried to pull a delivery from Ishwar Pandey towards the mid-wicket boundary. However, he didn’t get the timing right, and the ball went high in the air. Bravo, who was fielding at deep mid-wicket, ran towards his right, judged the catch to perfection, and then leaped in the air to take a one-handed catch that was simply stunning.

Bravo’s sensational catch left everyone in the stadium awestruck, including de Villiers himself, who was visibly disappointed to have lost his wicket in such a manner. It was a crucial moment in the match, as de Villiers was looking in good touch and could have taken the game away from Chennai Super Kings. Chennai went on to win the match by 27 runs, thanks to some excellent performances by their bowlers and fielders.

8. Gurkeerat Singh, Pune Warriors Vs Punjab Kings

During an IPL match between Pune Warriors and Punjab Kings (formerly known as Kings XI Punjab) in 2013, Gurkeerat Singh took a remarkable catch to dismiss Ross Taylor, one of the most destructive batsmen in world cricket.

It happened in the 12th over of Pune Warriors’ innings, when Taylor tried to pull a short delivery from Piyush Chawla towards the deep mid-wicket boundary. However, he didn’t get enough elevation behind the shot, and the ball looked like it would land safely beyond the boundary. But Gurkeerat Singh, who was fielding at deep mid-wicket, sprinted towards his right, covered a lot of ground, and then leaped in the air to take a stunning catch, just inches inside the boundary rope.

Singh’s brilliant catch not only dismissed Taylor, who was looking in good touch at that stage, but also helped Punjab Kings gain momentum in the match. It was a crucial moment in the game, as Pune Warriors were chasing a stiff target and needed someone like Taylor to play a big innings. Punjab Kings went on to win the match by 8 wickets, thanks to some excellent performances by their bowlers and batsmen.

9. Ravi Bishnoi, Punjab Kings Vs Kolkata Knight Riders

During an IPL match between Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders in 2021, Ravi Bishnoi took a stunning catch to dismiss Eoin Morgan, one of the best batsmen in the world.

It happened in the 12th over of Kolkata Knight Riders’ innings, when Morgan tried to hit a delivery from Murugan Ashwin towards the long-off boundary. However, he didn’t get enough power behind the shot, and the ball looked like it would fall short of the fielder. But Bishnoi, who was fielding at long-off, sprinted forward, dived full length, and then took a brilliant catch, just inches above the ground.

Bishnoi’s remarkable catch not only dismissed Morgan, who was looking to accelerate Kolkata Knight Riders’ innings, but also lifted the spirits of Punjab Kings, who were looking for a breakthrough at that stage. It was a crucial moment in the match, as Kolkata Knight Riders were chasing a challenging total and needed someone like Morgan to play a big innings. Punjab Kings went on to win the match by 5 runs, thanks to some excellent performances by their bowlers and batsmen.

10. Manish Pandey, Sun Risers Hyderabad Vs Mumbai Indians

During an IPL match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians in 2020, Manish Pandey took a brilliant catch to dismiss Mumbai Indians’ captain Rohit Sharma, one of the best batsmen in the world.

It happened in the 8th over of Mumbai Indians’ innings, when Rohit Sharma tried to pull a short delivery from Sandeep Sharma towards the mid-wicket boundary. However, he didn’t get enough power behind the shot, and the ball looked like it would land safely beyond the boundary. But Manish Pandey, who was fielding at mid-wicket, sprinted towards his left, covered a lot of ground, and then leaped in the air to take a stunning catch, just inches inside the boundary rope.

Pandey’s brilliant catch not only dismissed Rohit Sharma, who was looking to dominate the Sunrisers Hyderabad bowlers, but also helped his team gain momentum in the match. It was a crucial moment in the game, as Mumbai Indians were chasing a modest total and needed someone like Rohit Sharma to play a big innings. Sunrisers Hyderabad went on to win the match by 10 runs, thanks to some excellent performances by their bowlers and batsmen.

What is the Best Catch in IPL History?

During the 2014 IPL match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore, Chris Lynn’s incredible fielding skills were on full display when he took an unforgettable catch to dismiss AB de Villiers. The incident took place during the 13th over of the match, when de Villiers tried to hit a powerful shot over long-on off the bowling of Sunil Narine. However, he mistimed the shot and the ball went up high into the air.

Lynn, who was positioned near the boundary, quickly reacted to the situation and started sprinting towards the ball. As the ball started to drop, Lynn dived forward and stretched his arms out to grab the ball just inches above the ground. His stunning athleticism and lightning-fast reflexes made for an incredible spectacle and had the crowd and commentators gasping in amazement.

This catch is considered one of the greatest fielding performances in IPL history, and it played a crucial role in the match’s outcome. With de Villiers being one of the most dangerous batsmen in the RCB lineup, his dismissal gave KKR a major advantage and helped them secure the victory. Lynn’s extraordinary catch has since been hailed as a moment of sheer brilliance, and it will always be remembered as one of the defining moments in the history of the Indian Premier League.