The IPL 2026 collision between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) There were many memorable moments in Raipur, but despite RCB’s comfortable win, one particular incident stood out. While the fans celebrate Virat Kohli magnificent unbeaten century, such was the bond and mutual respect shared between Kohli and the veteran batsman Manish Pandey after an incredible catch that really won hearts on social media.
Manish Pandey scored a sensational over to dismiss Tim David
The moment came in the later stages of their chase when RCB struck an explosive blow Tim David came in to end the game quickly. Karthik Tyagi He delivered a slippery length ball outside off stump and David tried to force it behind point.
However, the ball flew awkwardly towards backward point to which Pandey reacted instantly. With a sharp drive to the left, the experienced KKR cricketer launched himself fully and hit a breathtaking one-handed one-incher off the turf.
For a few minutes, almost everyone on the square looked stunned. Tyagi stood on his hands in disbelief, while David looked behind him, hoping the ball might have hit the ground. Kohli’s reaction at the non-striker’s end said it all. The RCB superstar was completely speechless with his mouth hanging open as he watched the replay on the giant screen.
Virat Kohli’s appreciation for Manish Pandey melts hearts
While the catch kept his teammate away at the crucial stage of the chase, Kohli could not hide his admiration for the brilliance of the effort. Moments after RCB sealed the victory, Kohli walked up to Pandey and gave him a warm hug, applauding the amazing catch.
The interaction took on added significance given the long history shared by the two cricketers. Kohli and Pandey have been a part of the IPL journey for nearly 19 years now, both having started their careers in the early days of the league. The duo also shared the dressing room during India’s victorious U-19 World Cup campaign in 2008, where Kohli captained the side and Pandey was one of the key representatives of this talented generation.
Both players have represented Indian cricket in various formats over the years and have faced each other countless times in the IPL. Their post-match moment reflected the mutual respect built through years of friendship, competition and shared experiences in Indian cricket.
We present the video:
Is it 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘯? What is the plan? It’s Manish Pandey ✈️#ManishPandey grabs the eyelid to dismiss #TimDavid 🤯#TATAIPL 2026 Race to the Playoffs ➡️ #RCBvKKR | LIVE NOW 👉https://t.co/9SHVzm41aO pic.twitter.com/uwWo8hx3Vm
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 13, 2026
Also READ: IPL 2026: Fans go wild as RCB beat KKR courtesy Virat Kohli’s stunning century.
Kohli’s century takes RCB to the top
Although Pandey’s catch turned out to be one of the defining images of the night, the match still belonged to Kohli. The batting superstar silenced recent criticism in style by smashing an unbeaten 105 off just 60 deliveries and leading RCB to a six-wicket victory with five balls to spare. The innings also held historical significance as Kohli registered his ninth IPL century and became the first Indian batsman to complete 14,000 T20 runs.
Earlier, KKR posted a competitive 192/4 thanks to a brilliant 71. Angkrish Raghuvanshi and the unbeaten 49 Rinku Singh. However, RCB’s chase remained in check with strong contributions Devdutt Padikkal and Kohli leads the way. The win lifted RCB to the top of the IPL 2026 points table and boosted their playoff hopes heading into the finals of the tournament.
Also READ: How KKR can still qualify for IPL 2026 playoffs after losing to RCB in Raipur
