11th encounter Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 already delivered a moment of high drama at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, here Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) they lock horns with arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK). After winning the toss, the CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad He preferred the field first, hoping to restrict RCB on a batting-friendly surface.
With expectations mounting around the former RCB captain Virat Kohlifans were waiting for a classic hit. However, it was the mix of chaos, drama and redemption that quickly became the talking point of the match afterwards.
A catch by Shivam Dube gives Virat Kohli a vital lifeline
The drama unfolded in just the third over of the innings for the CSK pacer Khalil Ahmed It led to a mistimed lofted shot by Kohli. The ball went high towards long on, here Shivam Dubey perfectly placed to complete what appeared to be a straight hold.
In a surprising turn, Dube missed the chance and dropped the keeper, giving Kohli a lifeline when he was just 7 runs out. The moment stunned players and fans alike, as bowling a shot of Kohli’s caliber is often seen as a costly mistake in T20 cricket.
Adding to the drama, cameras repeatedly focused on Kohli’s wife and Bollywood diva Anushka Sharma In the stands, the shock reaction spread rapidly on social media platforms.
Redemption comes as Kohli departs for 28
Despite getting an early reprieve, Kohli failed to convert the opportunity into a big shot. In the fifth game, CSK found redemption as a young pacer Anshul Cambodia It forced another aerial error from the RCB star.
This time Dube made no mistake in the field, completing the catch safely to remove Kohli for 28 runs off 18 balls. While the wicket was a relief for CSK, it highlighted how quickly their fortunes swing in T20 cricket.
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While Dube eventually made amends, his earlier fall did not go unnoticed. Supporters took to social media in droves to roundly criticize what many described as an “unacceptable mistake” of the highest order.
Memes and reactions filled the timeline within minutes, with several users pointing out how giving Kohli a ‘second life’ could prove disastrous. Others acknowledged Dube’s comeback efforts, noting that Kohli’s dismissal helped balance the scales.
Here’s how the fans reacted:
leave Dube quickly, he seems uninterested
— varshu. (@Ssssssssshhu) April 5, 2026
Shivam Dube’s lack of fielding ability doesn’t get much attention.. he is too slow. And never take risks when going deep
— Ramesh (@rmshnt27) April 5, 2026
Dube probably just missed the match 😭
— 𔓘 (@snuggledpuff) April 5, 2026
Dube wants to be an impact player, not interested in improving himself on the field.
We’ll lose tonight and he’ll come back shamelessly in the next match.— STR Stan (@subramaniandeva) April 5, 2026
Dube deliberately dropped Kohli’s catch. pic.twitter.com/i8qggg2IU8
— Harish #TimeTrotter (@harish_484) April 5, 2026
You know Dube is RCB spy in CSK camp but can’t prove it
— Shawn McArthur (@Shadow__Bean) April 5, 2026
all this happened bc dube that fckin catch fell
— p. (@sunsaathiyax) April 5, 2026
Just when I thought we were good on the field… who stopped playing doubles as an impact player
— t (@messiornone) April 5, 2026
tactical drop by clutchgod Dube ? 🔥🔥🔥
— Nostalgia Merchant 😋 (@varun477) April 5, 2026
Dube is always accountable to our team, but nostalgia traders aren’t ready to have that conversation.
— Sujith (@Sk_twitzz) April 5, 2026
It fell!!
Shivam Dube you my son much RESPECT #RCBvsCSK— 𝑯𝒂𝒔𝒏𝒂𝒊𝒏 (@hasnainhu02) April 5, 2026
We need to use DUBE as an effective player 😡. He should never be on the pitch#RCBMatch #RCBvsCSK #ipl2026 #CSK #RCB #Whislepod
— Social Master (@Raj03003026) April 5, 2026
Dube, I have no words, never let him on the field. WTF man.
— Sergio (@SergioCulerCSK) April 5, 2026
Our bowlers literally put their bodies on the line and boy is it. I can’t get enough of this grip drop. Brother Due. WTF
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) April 5, 2026
In the middle of Sarfaraz, Mhatre stands in gullies and CSK cannot afford to keep him there.
— Sujith V (@Sujith1727) April 5, 2026
Dube 😢 pic.twitter.com/OPS6MmcfVC
— Cricket Out of Context (@GemsOfCricket) April 5, 2026
Dube is one of the worst fielders I have ever seen.
You can’t be that bad on the field. Embarrassing.
— Geopolitics (@geopolitics) April 5, 2026
Feel for Khaleel. Dube destroyed all his hard work. He was bowling really well
— Snap (@ObsessionSnap) April 5, 2026
I don’t know why we use Dube the Fielder. The man goes to the ball with reason. Trying to turn singles into twos and even catch up. At least I would like to try.
— Badri Dhoni (@badridhoni_) April 5, 2026
Adei Dube 😬😬 Covered the whole ground just to drop.
— Haricharan Pudipeddi (@pudiharicharan) April 5, 2026
He was 100% sure that Dube would drop it. Keeping the worst fielder in the middle 🤦
— Anurag™ (@Samsoncentral) April 5, 2026
Also READ: Mohammed Shami and Rishabh Pant sizzling fans in LSG’s thrilling win over SRH in IPL 2026.
