The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 started with a high-octane explosive encounter at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday. Among the classic ‘Derby of the South’ Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)the fans were treated to a powerful strike and a world-class display of play. Although the scoreboard showed a dominant 6-wicket victory for RCB, the decisive moment of the match was a brilliant piece from the hosts. Phil Salt This left the cricketing world stunned.
Phil Salt’s one-handed stunner ends Ishan Kishan’s threat in RCB vs SRH
Sunrisers Hyderabad led by captain Ishan KishiDespite losing early wickets, he looked certain for a massive total. Kishan was in deadly mood, swinging the momentum with 80 off 38 deliveries, 8 fours and 5 powerful sixes. But in the 16th game, the game changed.
Face to face Abhinandan SinghKishan looked to use a low full toss outside off stump. He carved the ball with great power towards the deep backward point boundary. It looked like a certain four until Salt intervened. Moving to the right, Salt pulled himself out of the air with his right hand in a fluid motion parallel to the grass.
The commentary box erupted when Salt had already completed what many are calling “The Catch of the Tournament.” This dismissal proved to be a turning point, breaking SRH’s back as they looked to cross the 220-run mark. SRH eventually finished on 201/9 thanks to a disciplined spell Jacob Duffy (3/22), was later named Player of the Match.
We present the video:
𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐏 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐎𝐔 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐃𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐍 𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐃 𝐀𝐂 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒! 🛑
🎥 Phil Salt on the ropes with an absolute one-handed scream 🫡
Is there a Season Eclipse on Day 1 yet? #TATAIPL 2026 🤔
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/Eo5z0jh4K4 #KhelBindaas | #RCBvSRH |… pic.twitter.com/pPax3pVNt9
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 28, 2026
Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal master class take RCB to record chase in IPL history
Chasing a target of 202 in Bengaluru is never easy, but RCB’s top order made it look like a walk in the park. Despite losing Salt early in the second inning, the veteran Virat Kohli joined the returnees Devdutt Padikkal To dismantle the SRH bowling attack.
The duo shared a century stand which effectively killed the competition. Padikkal was the first attacker to race to his half-century off just 21 balls. He finished with a magnificent 61 off 26 balls at a phenomenal rate of 234.61. His innings, which included 6 fours and 4 sixes, provided the perfect platform for the chase.
Kohli, on the other hand, played the anchor-turned-attacker to perfection. Kohli remained unbeaten on 69 off 38 balls and led the team home with 26 balls. His onslaught of 4 fours and 5 sixes ensured there were no late hiccups after SRH’s double strike. David Payne on the 13th. With this win, RCB signaled their intentions for the 2026 season, combining clinical bowling with a ruthless batting display to leave Sunrisers searching for answers.
