The opening match of IPL 2026 was played between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. In this match, RCB captain Rajat Patidar decided to bowl before winning the toss. Sunrisers Hyderabad scored 201 runs in 20 overs thanks to captain Ishan Kishan's 80 runs. A target of 202 runs was set against RCB. During Hyderabad's innings, Phil Salt took a brilliant catch of Henrik Klaasen outside the boundary. A controversy is going on over this catch. England's former captain Michael Vaughan on the popular platform of social media believes that the boundary line was touched while taking this catch.
Find out what Michael Vaughan said
Michael Warne said, I feel the leg touched the boundary line. This was a big call for RCB. Don't know how to give out,”We can say for sure, no part of his foot touched the boundary line. The boundary line was moved… there was some hint.” Fans on social media also believe that Phil Salt's foot touched the boundary line.
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
How did Salt take the catch?
Romario Shepherd was bowling the 14th over for RCB. Henrik Klaasen was on strike on the first ball of his over. Klaassen hits a shot at deep mid-wicket. Phil Salt takes the catch on the boundary, but loses his balance. He then rolled out to not touch the boundary line. Henrik Klaasen was dismissed for 31 runs. Phil Salt then took a brilliant one-handed catch of Ishan Kishan.
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