IPL 2026: Philip Salt's controversial catch to dismiss Heinrich Klaasen divides fans

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Philip Salt found himself in the middle of a controversy during the opening fixture of the Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026) against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Saturday, March 28, at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Salt took a brilliant catch on the boundary to dismiss a well-set Heinrich Klaasen (31 off 22) and end a 97-run stand for the fourth wicket.

During the first innings of the match, Klaasen hit Romario Shepherd towards deep mid-wicket on the first ball of the 14^th over. However, he failed to clear the ropes, and the ball landed in Philip Salt’s palms, who balanced himself remarkably to avoid touching the boundary even as he fell quite close to it.

The third umpire Rohan Pandit found no part of Salt’s body touching the boundary as he took the catch and ruled Klaasen out. However, the SRH batter didn’t seem too convinced with the decision and was seen having a chat with the fourth umpire as he walked towards the dressing room.

The social media also seemed divided on the umpire’s decision as a section of fans felt that Salt got in touch with the boundary and Klaasen was not out.

Watch the controversial catch here:

✅ Here's the slow-mo from the broadcasters' angle. Now people can draw whatever conclusions they want from it.

🥀 P.S. It touched the cushion and didn't look out to me.

[Phil Salt, Heinrich Klaasen]#IPL #RCBvsSRH#CricketTwitter https://t.co/CqcQp0jqWc pic.twitter.com/ExvybOwOjb

— Rohan महाजन (@mahajanrohan99) March 28, 2026

Former England captain Michael Vaughan also shared his views on the contentious catch, contending that Salt’s foot touched the boundary rope.

“Looked to me like the foot had touched the boundary sponge to me … that’s a big call for RCB .. #IPL2626 .. Not sure how you can give that out and be absolutely sure no part of the foot touched the sponge .. and the sponge moved .. a bit of a giveaway,” wrote Vaughan on his X account.

Looked to me like the foot had touched the boundary sponge to me … that’s a big call for RCB .. #IPL2626 .. Not sure how you can give that out and be absolutely sure no part of the foot touched the sponge .. and the sponge moved .. a bit of a giveaway .. @cricbuzz

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 28, 2026