During the clash between Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB v PBKS) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Sam Curran, the dynamic all-rounder for PBKS, found himself unable to replicate his previous match-winning performance with the bat. Despite showing promise and looking poised for a substantial contribution, Curran’s innings was curtailed by a spectacular catch from RCB’s wicketkeeper, Anuj Rawat.
Curran, who had impressed in the previous game with a crucial fifty, appeared to be settling in for another impactful performance. However, his plans were thwarted by Rawat’s brilliance behind the stumps. During the 18th over, facing a well-directed bouncer from Yash Dayal clocked at 141.7 kph, Curran attempted a hook shot but could only manage a glove on the ball, sending it towards the waiting hands of Rawat.
Rawat’s acrobatic catch, timed to perfection, showcased his agility and skill as a wicketkeeper. Despite the ball initially seeming destined for the boundary, Rawat’s intervention ensured Curran’s departure and added a crucial breakthrough for RCB.
Curran’s innings, though cut short at 23 runs off 17 balls with a strike rate exceeding 135, was not devoid of impact. His aggressive stroke play, including three boundaries, contributed valuable runs to PBKS’s total. However, it was Rawat’s exceptional catch that denied Curran the opportunity to finish his innings on a high note.
Anuj Rawat’s standout moment highlighted his proficiency behind the stumps and justified his selection over the experienced Dinesh Karthik for RCB. His remarkable catch not only dismissed a dangerous batsman but also potentially altered the course of the innings.
WATCH: Anuj Rawat’s one handed catch
Despite Curran’s disappointment at not capitalizing fully on his start, his brief cameo underscored his importance to the PBKS batting lineup.
As the IPL 2024 season progresses, such moments of brilliance from players like Anuj Rawat continue to enrich the excitement and drama of cricket’s premier T20 tournament.