'Birla Already Paying': Netizens React To Phil Salt's Controversial Catch To Dismiss Klaasen In IPL 2026

Controversy is never too far away and a moment arrived in the IPL 2026 opener between RCB and SRH. Heinrich Klaasen was controbversially given out on the boundary after Phil Salt completed a stumbling catch, with replays showing him having been in contact with the cushions. Fans quickly pointed to RCB's recent takeover by Birla, alleging that the umpires were paid for.

The incident occurred in the 14th over of the innings. After an initial stutter, Sunrisers Hyderabad had built their innings up with a fine 97-run partnership with captain Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen. Klaasen looked set to launch a big one as he tried to hoick Romario Shepherd out of the stadium.

The former South Africa star only got the height but couldn't fetch enough distance with Phil Salt at the boundary. Standing very close the fence, the English star grabbed a tumbling catch. The umpires then sent it upstairs to check whether he had made any contact with the boundary cushions.

While replays were not as conclusive, one angle showed that the boundary had moved as Salt took the tumble. Third umpire Rohan Pandit quickly moved ahead and signalled out, much to the surprise of Klaasen and the SRH fans. The South African quizzed the umpire on the boundary rope, who confirmed the decision. Klaasen then made a angry walk back in what was a clear blunder by the umpire.

Netizens, Experts react to catch controversy

Fans were quick to point to the blunder and it quickly became a topic of conversation online.