SRH Star Player Pulls Off Catch- In a moment that lit up the MA Chidambaram Stadium on an otherwise tense evening, Sri Lankan all-rounder Kamindu Mendis produced one of the catches of the season during the IPL 2025 clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The remarkable athleticism from Mendis earned immediate praise not just from the fans, but also from some of the game’s biggest legends in the commentary box.
Catch of the IPL!” – Ravi Shastri Marvels at Mendis’ Athleticism
The incident occurred during CSK’s innings when promising young batter Dewald Brevis smashed a ferocious drive off a half-volley from SRH pacer Harshal Patel. Positioned at long-off, Mendis had little time to react as the ball came at him like a rocket, curving away late.
With split-second reflexes, the ambidextrous Mendis launched himself to his left and completed a stunning two-handed catch mid-air, sending the Chepauk crowd into stunned silence.
Former India coach and captain Ravi Shastri immediately hailed it on-air as the “Catch of IPL,” while ex-West Indies great Ian Bishop was left wondering, “Which is his weak side? We never know,” referring to Mendis’ rare ability to throw and catch with either hand.
Even Kavya Maran, SRH’s CEO and co-owner, was visibly thrilled, seen applauding enthusiastically from the stands — a clip that quickly went viral on social media.
Toss and Team Standings: A Clash of Strugglers
Earlier in the evening, SRH captain Pat Cummins won the toss and chose to bowl first, a decision influenced by the traditionally dew-affected Chepauk pitch. Both SRH and CSK entered the contest desperately needing a win, with each side having won just one of their previous five matches.
- CSK’s Standing: 10th place (2 wins from 8 matches)
- SRH’s Standing: 9th place (2 wins from 8 matches)
Speaking at the toss, Cummins said:
“We are going to have a bowl first. Chennai is always a big game. Coming off a couple of losses, but it’s a new venue, and the boys are up for it. The pitch looks a little bit dry, but we’re backing ourselves to chase.”
On the other hand, CSK skipper MS Dhoni, facing an uphill task to lift his struggling side, stressed the importance of “getting the process right” as CSK clung to their faint playoff hopes.
“Dew was the main reason why we also wanted to bowl first,” said Dhoni. “In almost all departments, when you are not playing good cricket, there will be pressure on everyone. We want to focus on getting the process right, look at one game at a time, and trust the combinations we’re trying. The wicket looks okay, but it’s not like the old red-soil Chepauk wickets we played on during the 2010 Champions League.”
Mendis’ Fielding Heroics a Turning Point?
Kamindu Mendis’ sensational catch not only lifted SRH’s energy levels but also tilted the momentum in their favor early in the match. Dewald Brevis was looking set for a dangerous innings before the dismissal, and Mendis’ effort ensured SRH maintained their grip on the game.
For SRH, struggling for consistency this season, moments like these could prove invaluable in regaining confidence and momentum for the remainder of their campaign.
Meanwhile, for CSK and Dhoni, the road ahead looks treacherous. With only a handful of games left, they must win all their remaining matches and hope for other results to go their way to stand any chance of sneaking into the playoffs — a scenario that grows more unlikely with each defeat.
Key Highlights:
- Kamindu Mendis takes one of IPL 2025’s best catches to dismiss Dewald Brevis.
- SRH win toss and bowl first, capitalizing on dry Chepauk conditions.
- CSK and SRH entered the match desperately seeking points to stay alive in the playoff race.
- MS Dhoni emphasized focusing on “process” and “combinations” as CSK’s struggles continue.
