Jordan Cox catch not given out in RCB vs GT final: Why Washington Sundar survived drama

In the high-voltage IPL 2026 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the Gujarat Titans (GT), one moment in the middle overs left fans and players stunned. With the game finely poised, RCB looked set to lose a key wicket, but technology had the final say. What seemed like a straightforward catch by Jordan Cox at fine leg was ruled not out after a dramatic review, handing Washington Sundar a lucky escape.

The delivery that sparked the debate

It was ball 9.6 of the innings. Jacob Duffy steamed in and bowled a sharp short delivery aimed at the leg stump. Washington Sundar, trying to break free, went for a pull shot but mistimed it completely. The ball flew straight to fine leg where Jordan Cox was perfectly positioned. He took the catch cleanly in real time, or so everyone thought. RCB players celebrated, believing they had their man. The scoreboard even flashed four wickets down in quick succession from balls bowled into the wicket.

Replays reveal the shocking truth behind the catch

As the players waited, the third umpire called for a review to check if the catch was legal. Slow-motion replays told a different story. Jordan Cox didn’t have full control over the ball. It got stuck awkwardly between the ring fingers of both hands. While he tried to complete the catch, the ball popped out just enough to brush the grass. The replays clearly showed the lack of control, and the on-field decision was overturned.

Rajat Patidar's question and why the umpire said Not Out

Rajat Patidar, the RCB skipper, echoed what thousands of RCB fans were thinking. He asked why it was ruled not out when it looked clean to the naked eye. The answer lay in cricket’s strict catch rules: the fielder must have complete control, and the ball must not touch the ground. There was a bit of doubt in real time, but the replays vindicated the third umpire’s call.

Importance of Washington Sundar's wicket

This wasn’t just any wicket; it came at a crucial stage when RCB needed breakthroughs to restrict GT. Washington Sundar, known for his calm batting under pressure, got a second life. The not-out decision shifted momentum back towards the batting side and kept the final very much alive. Cricket fans across India took to social media, debating clean catch rules and the role of technology in modern IPL matches. Some praised the accurate review system, while others felt the spirit of the game was tested.

RCB will have to regroup quickly, while GT breathes a sigh of relief as they chase victory in front of packed stands.