Jordan Cox catch controversy: Why was there controversy over Jordan Cox’s catch in the IPL 2026 final and why did the third umpire reverse the decision? What did Rajat Patidar say to the umpire after Washington Sundar got life support and what was the reason for RCB’s displeasure? What was the similarity between the old controversy of the RCB vs Gujarat match on April 30 and this decision of the final?
In the final match of IPL 2026, while on one side the battle for the trophy was going on between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Gujarat Titans, on the other side a controversial catch heated up the entire atmosphere of the match. In this high-voltage match being played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Washington Sundar’s catch and the third umpire’s decision on it became the biggest topic of discussion.
Angered by the decision, RCB captain Rajat Patidar was seen arguing with the umpire on the field itself. Within a few minutes this incident started trending on social media also.
What was the whole matter?
The 10th over of Gujarat Titans’ innings was going on. Washington Sundar tried to play a big shot on the last ball of fast bowler Jacob Duffy, but the ball went in the air.
Substitute fielder Jordan Cox, posted at deep fine leg, ran fast and dived forward and claimed a brilliant catch. The umpire present on the field initially signaled out, after which Sundar started returning to the pavilion. However, when there was doubt over the validity of the catch, on-field umpire Nitin Menon referred the matter to the third umpire.
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Why did the third umpire change the decision?
Replays showed the ball slightly touching the grass under Jordan Cox’s hand as he completed the catch. After watching the footage from many angles, the third umpire reversed the decision and declared Washington Sundar not out.
At that time Sundar was playing after scoring only 4 runs and Gujarat had already lost the first three wickets. In such a situation, this decision was considered very important from the match point of view.
Rajat Patidar expressed his displeasure
The reaction of RCB players as soon as the decision was overturned was worth watching. Captain Rajat Patidar went straight to umpire Nitin Menon and expressed his displeasure over the decision. Patidar was also seen talking to the umpire in the TV broadcast. RCB players believed that Jordan Cox had complete control of the ball and the catch was legal.
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Old dispute also came to mind
A major reason for RCB’s displeasure was a few months old incident. A similar controversy was seen in the league match played between Gujarat Titans and RCB on the same ground on April 30. Rajat Patidar was batting in that match and his catch was caught by Jason Holder of Gujarat.
In the replays it seemed that Holder’s hand and the ball were touching the ground while completing the catch. Despite this, the third umpire at that time considered the catch valid and declared Patidar out. After that decision, many RCB players including Virat Kohli had expressed their displeasure on the field.
Debate broke out on social media
After this decision in a big match like the final, debate broke out on social media also. Some cricket fans considered the third umpire’s decision correct, while many fans believed that the catch should have been given out.
The decision in such cases depends entirely on the video angle available and ICC’s interpretation of the catch rules. This is the reason why many times different decisions are seen in similar incidents.
Controversy increased the excitement in the final
The IPL final is already a match full of pressure and emotions. In such a situation, the controversy over Jordan Cox’s catch became one of the most talked about moments of the match. Now this decision may remain a topic of discussion among cricket experts and fans in the coming days.
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