The first match of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) saw a major controversy as Heinrich Klaasen’s dismissal left fans divided during Sunrisers Hyderabad’s (SRH) clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday (March 28), with a catch from Phil Salt becoming a point of contention.
Klaasen was dismissed for a knock of 31 runs in 222 balls when he looked set for a big knock after making a 97-run partnership (53) with Ishan Kishan.
Klaasen was dismissed by Romario Shepherd on the first ball of the 14th over. The South African star played a pull shot, which looked like it was heading for a six. However, it was found at the mid-wicket boundary. The English opener kept his composure and managed to keep hold of the ball ahead of the boundary line while diving.
The third umpire looked at multiple replays and decided that the catch was legal. However, Klaasen was evidently not happy and made his displeasure known to the fourth umpire before walking back to the dressing room. Even cricket fans and experts were divided on the dismissal, with some arguing that the fielder’s leg touched the rope while others suggested it was only a shadow.
Talking about the match, SRH posted a 201 on the board after Rajat Patidar won the toss and chose to bat first. Ishan Kishan was the star of the show on his captaincy debut in the league. The 27-year-old made a knock of 80 in just 38 balls despite wickets falling around him. Aniket Verma gave the 2016 champions a strong finish with a quick-fire cameo of 43 in just 18 balls, which included three boundaries and four maximums.
Meanwhile, Salt had a busy day on the field as he took three catches. He pulled off a one-handed blinder, which is being described by many as one of the greatest catches in IPL history.