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Mumbai Indians icon Sachin Tendulkar was impressed by Shreyas Iyer’s athleticism as he took a stunning relay catch in the IPL 2026 clash at the Wankhede Stadium on April 16. In a lengthy reaction on his official X account, Tendulkar stressed that it was Iyer’s awareness – and not just his athleticism – that made the performance extra special. Meanwhile, Iyer’s own reaction in a viral video has garnered attention, adding a new twist to the ‘catch of the season’ hype.
How did Shreyas Iyer and Xavier Bartlett pull off the incredible catch?
It was Hardik Pandya’s dismissal when the Mumbai Indians captain knuckled left-winger Marco Jansen. Shreyas Iyer ran wide and covered a decent distance and jumped as he caught the ball. But the Punjab Kings captain threw the ball in the air back to Bartlett, who took the catch comfortably. The 31-year-old appeared to make a gesture for the Wankhede crowd to shut up at the noise they were making. During replays, the referees determined that the shot was clean.
SHREYAS IYER, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!! 🤯
🎥 One of the best catches you can see in the world #TATAIPL Story 🔥🔥
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/Fn2dxJ4zYR#KhelBindaas | #MIvPBKS | @PunjabKingsIPL pic.twitter.com/6EKgHR82cL
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 16, 2026
Why does Sachin Tendulkar rate it as the best catch he has ever seen live?
The 52-year-old went to X and praised the Punjab Kings captain for timing his jump perfectly and releasing the ball at the perfect moment, demonstrating his timing, awareness, fitness and composure.
What made Shreyas Iyer’s catch so special was not just the athleticism but also the awareness behind it.
He had to judge the speed of the ball, the height, the position of the boundary rope and how close he was to stepping on it and get his jump absolutely perfect.
Then, still in…
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) April 17, 2026
“What made Shreyas Iyer’s catch so special was not just the athleticism but also the awareness behind it. He had to judge the speed of the ball, the height, the position of the boundary rope and how close he was to stepping on it and get his jump absolutely perfect. Then, while still in the air, he caught the ball and passed it to a teammate before landing, always knowing exactly where that fielder was positioned. Processing all of this in a split second requires incredible attention, timing, fitness and composure. @ShreyasIyer15 I did everything exactly right. One of the best catches I’ve ever seen live!”
“I should pat myself on the back” – Shreyas Iyer
Iyer, who rewarded his fielding brilliance with a blistering 66, admitted his catch did not get the recognition it deserved. So he decided to praise himself in the locker room by saying:
“Since no one appreciates it, I should give myself a pat on the back.”
The entire cricket world pats you on the back for this catch, Sarpanch! 🫡❤️ pic.twitter.com/zcZ2QC4h3w
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) April 17, 2026
With another win, the Punjab Kings remain the only unbeaten team in the tournament and are at the top of the points table.
Also read: PSL 2026: Updated points table, top run getters and wicket takers after game 25 – KK vs IU
