IPL 2021: Rahul Tripathi takes blinder to dismiss Mayank Agarwal. Watch

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a competition that has showcased its fair share of fantastic efforts in the field, especially, but not limited to, marvellous catches. This year’s edition is no different as there have been several terrific catches so far. Match 21 between the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) also featured a brilliant catch as KKR’s Rahul Tripathi took a brilliant catch diving forward to dismiss PBKS opener Mayank Agarwal, who had a tough time getting bat on ball, despite scoring 31 runs. Tripathi’s landing seemed awkward and painful at first glance but he was immediately back on his feet, celebrating with his teammates. The wicket went to West Indian spinner Sunil Narine who had a brilliant bowling spell.

Here’s a look at Rahul Tripathi’s brilliant catch:

WHATTA Brilliant Catch by Rahul Tripathi OMG!

His neck Could be broken ! #PBKSvKKR pic.twitter.com/PrMmZ7Wliz

— (@SRKxCombatant) April 26, 2021

NO FLUKE

Tripathi is a brilliant fielder in his own right, and he has proved this season that his catch against PBKS was not just a fluke. The KKR batter had taken another brilliant, and possibly more difficult catch, in the Kolkata-based franchise’s match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). He had to run back a fair distance and outstretch his arms to take a catch to dismiss RCB skipper Virat Kohli. The effort was praised by not only his teammates but also the cricketing world. Despite ending up on the losing side, that catch might as well be adjudged as one of the catches of the season in the end.

Despite playing for a side that is having a hard time getting wins under its belt, Tripathi has been one of the purple and gold’s most consistent cricketers. He has scored 127 runs in his six appearances this season so far, and has recorded a season-highest score of 53. His rise through the KKR ranks to being a regular starter began in the 2020 season in the UAE, where he scored 230 runs in 11 matches and recorded a season-high score of 81.

The Knight Riders were placed last in the points table ahead of their match against PBKS. They were handed a rather humiliating defeat last time around against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) which saw a collapse of their batting lineup, especially the otherwise dangerous middle-order.