Ravichandran Ashwin gives RCB fans a reality check on Rajat Patidar-Jason Holder catch controversy

Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his thoughts on the controversial catch taken by all-rounder Jason Holder during the IPL 2026 clash between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Gujarat Titans (GT) managed to crush the defending champions, RCB, by four wickets in this high-voltage clash, but it was Jason Holder’s efforts that stole all the spotlight, and everyone is just talking about the controversial moment at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Rajat Patidar's dismissal sparks huge controversy in GT vs RCB IPL 2026 clash

The controversy began with the dismissal of Rajat Patidar, which happened in the eighth over when Arshad Khan bowled a short ball, leaving the RCB camp upset. The RCB captain tried to pull it, but didn’t connect properly. The ball went high toward a deep backward square, and Jason Holder was stationed nearby.

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Kagiso Rabada was also nearby. Both Holder and Rabada ran towards the ball, but the former West Indies all-rounder avoided the collision with the Proteas bowler and took full control of the ball. The seasoned all-rounder dived forward to complete a smart low catch.

It’s heating up in Ahmedabad! 🔥#JasonHolder caught #RajatPatidar at the boundary, but the #RCB camp wasn’t convinced with the decision! 👀#TATAIPL 2026 ➡️ #GTvRCB | LIVE NOW 👉https://t.co/K8vuSzrZ1d pic.twitter.com/GwfAoIelDj

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 30, 2026

But in the replay, the ball appeared to touch the ground while Holder was sliding, and that is where the controversy exploded. RCB players were not ready to accept the decision after the on-field umpire declared Patidar out. Virat Kohli was the most furious among them.

He showed clear frustration and gestured that the ball had touched the ground. Kohli kept discussing the decision intensely with the reserve umpire, while head coach Andy Flower also joined the conversation. Patidar waited near the boundary when everything happened.

Jason Holder's catch ruled fair by the third umpire because of Law 33.2.2

After checking different angles, the third umpire felt that Holder had his hand under the ball, which stopped it from touching the ground clearly, even though the visuals were not very clean.

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However, Law 33.2.2 states that a catch is fair if “the ball is held in the hand or hands of a fielder, even if the hand holding the ball is touching the ground, or is hugged to the body, or lodges in the external protective equipment worn by a fielder, or lodges accidentally in a fielder’s clothing.”

As a result, Patidar had to walk back, and Jason Holder then went on to play a big role for Gujarat Titans. He has taken three catches and scalped two wickets as well as scored valuable 12 runs to help GT beat RCB by four wickets. His all-round efforts earned him the Player of the Match award.

Ravichandran Ashwin breaks the silence on Jason Holder catch drama in IPL 2026

After the match, Ravichandran Ashwin explained the situation in a simple way. He pointed out that because of Holder’s large hands, the ball can stay covered, making it look like it has touched the ground even when it hasn’t.

Ashwin said on his YouTube channel, "Jason Holder's hands are twice as big as mine. In his hands, the ball almost disappears. So, even if you guys can see the ball through the gap in his fingers, that does not mean that the ball has hit the floor. He has probably wrapped it around. The ball, perhaps, did not touch the ground.”

He added, “If you are on the RCB side, you might feel that he is unlucky. If you look at it from the GT side, it is a clean out. But if you are viewing it as a neutral, it is completely a fair catch.”

🔴 Ravichandran Ashwin calls Jason Holder catch ‘Fair’, cooks those calling it ‘Not Out’ with facts

The ball being visible between the fingers doesn’t mean it touched the ground, it can happen due to grip and the angle of the hand, especially with bigger hands like Holder’s.

He… pic.twitter.com/r9p5dbIWXM

— Rohan💫 (@rohann__45) April 30, 2026