Jaydev Unadkat pulls off a spectacular one-handed catch to dismiss Ryan Rickelton in the SRH vs MI IPL clash, marking his 100th IPL wicket in stunning fashion.
In a breathtaking display of reflexes and athleticism, Unadkat pulled off what many are calling the catch of IPL 2025 during the Sunrisers Hyderabad versus Mumbai Indians clash at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. The left-arm pacer, representing Sunrisers Hyderabad, showcased exceptional hand-eye coordination to dismiss MI’s Ryan Rickelton with a stunning one-handed return catch that left spectators and commentators alike in awe.
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Match Context: SRH vs MI IPL 2025
The match carried special significance as both teams wore black armbands in memory of the Pahalgam terror attack victims, where 28 lives were lost just a day before on April 22, 2025. Despite the somber backdrop, the players delivered a competitive performance, with SRH setting Mumbai Indians a target of 144 runs to win match number 41 of the tournament.
The stakes were particularly high for the Mumbai Indians, as a victory would propel them to third place in the table thanks to their superior run rate. This context made every wicket crucial, especially in the powerplay overs.
Jaydev Unadkat Catch: Technical Breakdown of the Stunning Dismissal
The magical moment occurred in the second over of the Mumbai Indians’ chase. With MI at 13/1 after 1.4 overs, Jaydev Unadkat ran in to deliver a length ball that angled in from outside off stump and held slightly on the surface. Ryan Rickelton, who had already scored 11 runs off just 8 balls, including two boundaries, attempted to tuck the ball square of the wicket.
However, Rickelton closed the face of his bat too early, resulting in a leading edge that popped up toward the bowler. What happened next showcased cricket fielding at its finest:
“The ball was traveling at good speed, but Jaydev Unadkat showcased exceptional reflexes with a stunning one-handed catch off his bowling,” described commentator Harsha Bhogle. “He had to adjust his body position mid-follow-through, stretch his right arm to its limit, and somehow cling onto the ball while falling.”
The crowd erupted as Unadkat completed the catch with just his right hand while falling in his follow-through. His teammates rushed to congratulate him, recognizing not just the skill involved but also the importance of the dismissal in the context of the match.
What made this moment even more special was that it marked Jaydev Unadkat’s 100th wicket in the Indian Premier League – a milestone achievement celebrated spectacularly.
Watch the incredible moment here:
WHAT. A. CATCH! 🤯
Jaydev Unadkat pulls off a stunning one-handed catch off his own bowling to dismiss Ryan Rickelton!
📺 Watch the LIVE action on Star Sports Network!#SRHvMI #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/example— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 23, 2025
Unadkat Achieves 100th IPL Wicket With Stunning Reflex Catch
This dismissal wasn’t just visually spectacular – it carried significant statistical importance as well. The wicket of Rickelton marked the 100th IPL scalp for Jaydev Unadkat, making him the 15th bowler to reach this milestone in the tournament’s history.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better way to get my 100th wicket,” Unadkat said in the post-match interview. “Sometimes, as a bowler, you just react instinctively, and thankfully, my hand stuck to the ball. It’s a moment I’ll cherish throughout my career.”
Cricket experts praised Unadkat for his exceptional reflexes and presence of mind during the crucial moment. Former India pacer Zaheer Khan commented, “What makes this catch special is the adjustment Unadkat had to make in a split second. He was following through in his bowling action, had to change direction, and still managed to hold onto a ball traveling at considerable speed.”
Jaydev Unadkat Stats: Career Numbers Behind the Spectacular Catch
Looking at Jaydev Unadkat’s stats, his 100 wickets in 105 IPL matches highlight his consistency as a bowler in the world’s premier T20 league. His journey in the IPL has been marked by several notable achievements:
| Season | Team | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career Total | Multiple | 105 | 100 | 32.21 | 8.84 | 5/25 |
| 2024 | SRH | 11 | 8 | 39.88 | 10.24 | 3/30 |
| 2025 (ongoing) | SRH | 9 | 12 | 24.33 | 8.76 | 3/19 |
The Jaydev Unadkat stats sheet now includes this remarkable catch among his career highlights. Acquired by Sunrisers Hyderabad for INR 1 crore in the auction, Unadkat has proven to be a valuable asset for the team, demonstrating consistent performances under pressure and establishing himself as a reliable bowling option.
Sports Career of Jaydev Unadkat: From Domestic Cricket to IPL Star
The sports career of Jaydev Unadkat has been marked by persistence and continuous improvement. Beginning his journey in domestic cricket for Saurashtra, Unadkat made his international debut for India in 2010 at just 19 years of age.
While his international appearances have been intermittent, his IPL career has flourished across multiple franchises, including Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Rising Pune Supergiant, Rajasthan Royals, and now Sunrisers Hyderabad.
This spectacular catch adds another highlight to the sports career of Jaydev Unadkat, which spans over a decade of professional cricket. His journey exemplifies the dedication required to sustain a long-term career in the competitive world of T20 cricket.
One-Handed Catches in Cricket: How Unadkat Ranks Among the Best
The Jaydev Unadkat catch immediately went viral on social media platforms, with cricket fans sharing the video worldwide. But how does it compare to other great catches in cricket history?
| Player | Match/Tournament | Description | Similarity to Unadkat’s Catch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jonty Rhodes | 1992 World Cup | Right-handed diving catch | Similar reflexes required |
| AB de Villiers | vs West Indies | Aerial one-handed boundary catch | Higher degree of difficulty |
| Ricky Ponting | 1999 World Cup | Boundary-line catch | Similar hand-eye coordination |
| Ben Stokes | 2019 World Cup | Match-defining one-handed catch | Similar pressure situation |
| Mohammad Azharuddin | vs England 1990 | One-handed slip catch | Similar reaction time needed |
Former cricketers have compared the Jaydev Unadkat catch to some of the greatest takes in IPL history. What makes Unadkat’s effort particularly impressive is that it came off his bowling, requiring him to adjust his body position after completing his bowling action – a much more difficult feat than being set in a fielding position.
Match Progression After the Spectacular Moment
Despite Unadkat’s brilliance, the Mumbai Indians continued their chase with determination. Rohit Sharma played attacking cricket, smashing Unadkat for a four and ending the over with his second six of the innings. That six also meant that Rohit Sharma became the leading six-hitter for MI, surpassing Kieron Pollard’s record.
Mumbai Indians eventually chased down the target of 144 runs with 5 wickets and 8 balls to spare, moving up to third place in the IPL 2025 standings. However, Unadkat’s catch remained the talking point of the match, overshadowing even the result in post-match discussions.
In a tournament filled with spectacular moments, Jaydev Unadkat’s one-handed stunner stands out as a testament to the athleticism and skill required in modern cricket. While the result didn’t go in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s favor, Unadkat’s catch will be remembered long after the tournament concludes – a perfect way to mark his 100th IPL wicket and add another highlight to his impressive career.
FAQs
Was this Jaydev Unadkat’s first one-handed catch in the IPL?
No, this was the seventh time that Jaydev Unadkat had taken a return catch in his IPL career, though experts rate this as his most difficult and spectacular one to date.
How significant is 100 IPL wickets in a bowler’s career?
Reaching 100 IPL wickets is considered a major milestone that places Jaydev Unadkat among an elite group of bowlers in the tournament’s history. Only 15 bowlers have achieved this feat in the IPL’s 18-year history.
What makes Unadkat’s catch technically difficult?
The catch required exceptional reflexes as Unadkat had to adjust his body position mid-follow-through after delivering the ball, stretch out his right hand, and hold onto a ball traveling at significant speed – all while his body was moving in a different direction.
Where does this catch rank among the best catches of IPL 2025?
Cricket analysts and former players have consistently ranked this as among the top three catches of the tournament so far, with some calling it the catch of the season due to its degree of difficulty and the fact that it came off his own bowling.
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