Phil Salt’s Epic Catch Sparks Memories of AB de Villiers in IPL Showdown

JAIPUR, India — Royal Challengers Bengaluru‘s Phil Salt wowed fans with a spectacular boundary catch during the IPL 2025 match against Rajasthan Royals on Sunday, reminiscent of legendary player AB de Villiers.

The memorable moment occurred on the last ball of the 13th over. Rajasthan opener Yashasvi Jaiswal struck a ball from Krunal Pandya towards deep mid-wicket. Despite not making solid contact, Salt leaped high at the boundary, managing to get both hands on the ball. Mid-air, he realized his momentum would carry him over the ropes, leading to a split-second decision to throw the ball back into play, ultimately saving five crucial runs for his team.

“Phil Salt is setting high fielding standards in this IPL,” praised a fan on social media. Others echoed similar sentiments, with one user calling him a “superman” and another noting the impact of his athleticism on the game.

The extraordinary catch mirrors former RCB superstar AB de Villiers’ jaw-dropping fielding displays, particularly a notable catch during an IPL match against Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2018. Salt’s standout performances have highlighted him as a valuable asset for RCB, scoring 143 runs in five innings and displaying outstanding fielding skills despite primarily being a wicketkeeper.

In a previous match against the Mumbai Indians, Salt executed another breathtaking catch. Falling into the ropes, he managed to tap the ball up to teammate Tim David, showcasing his instinctive fielding ability.

During the match, Jaiswal went on to score 75 runs off 47 balls, helping Rajasthan reach a total of 173 runs for four wickets. With RCB set to chase a target of 174 runs in the second innings, fans are looking forward to seeing if Salt’s contributions might prove pivotal in securing a victory.

“Holy moly! That was a superb effort by Salt. The other RCB players need to take some inspiration from it,” remarked one fan, highlighting the teamwork spirit within the squad.

With the IPL season in full swing, Salt’s commitment to excellence on the field continues to earn admiration and raises the bar for his teammates as they chase the championship title this year.