Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja pulled off a 'catch of the season' contender during the IPL 2024 match against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Friday. Stationed at point, Jadeja denied LSG skipper KL Rahul a possible century with his brilliant effort. The incident happened on the first ball of the 18th over of LSG's chase. Matheesha Pathirana bowled waist length delivery wide of off to Rahul, who executed the cut short to perfection. While the ball was destined to go to the boundary, Jadeja plucked it out with one hand out of thin air by leaping towards his right.
Former India head coach Ravi Jadeja, who was on commentary, labelled Jadeja's effort as "catch of IPL 2024".
"What a catch! Is that the catch of IPL? Wow, that was flying like a trace of bullet!," Shastri was heard as screaming on-air.
CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad covered his mouth in disbelief, but had a wry smile on his face.
Jadeja had a busy outing in general on Friday as he was once again the crisis man for CSK, especially with the bat.
After CSK lost their top three for cheap, Jadeja led the charge with the bat, top-scoring with a 40-ball 57, albeit in a losing cause.
His partnerships of 51 and 35 with Moeen Ali (30) and MS Dhoni (28 not out) took CSK to a fighting 176/6 at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.
However, LSG openers Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul set up the chase with a superb 134-run stand, before tje former, who hit five fours in his 43-ball 54, fell in the 15th over.
After Rahul's dismissal, Nicholas Pooran (23) ensured that LSG close out the game with an over to spare.
Despite the defeat, CSK remained on the third spot in the points table, with LSG on fifth only behind them due to net run-rate.