A controversial not-out call involving Washington Sundar became one of the biggest talking points of the IPL 2026 final, with fans flooding social media to question the third umpire's decision and the consistency of catch rulings.
The IPL 2026 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT) produced plenty of drama on the field, but one decision quickly became the centre of attention. Washington Sundar was handed a crucial lifeline after substitute fielder Jordan Cox's diving catch was ruled not out following a third-umpire review.
The incident took place on the final ball of the 10th over when Sundar miscued a pull shot off Jacob Duffy. Cox sprinted in from fine leg and appeared to complete a low diving catch. While RCB
players celebrated what looked like a breakthrough, the third umpire ruled that the ball had made contact with the ground during the catching process, allowing Sundar to continue his innings.
The decision immediately sparked debate online, with fans, cricket pages and commentators dissecting the replay from every possible angle and comparing it with previous controversial catches.
"How Is That Not Out?" - Fans Question The Decision
Much of the reaction centred on whether Jordan Cox had his fingers underneath the ball throughout the catch. Cricket page Cricket Addictor questioned the consistency of umpiring decisions, posting: "If Rajat Patidar was given out when Jason Holder's catch appeared to touch the ground, then how is Washington Sundar not out today when Jordan Cox clearly had his fingers underneath the ball?"
How is Washington Sundar catch a not out? @IPL 3rd umpire with all the technologies in the plate how is this blunder going to be accepted? If Jason is given not out then Washington was clearly out! Shameful umpiring that too in finale!#RCBvsGT@RCBTweets
- shash_22 (@shashiyer_22) May 31, 2026
Several fans were even more direct in their criticism. One viral post read: "Washington Sundar was cleanly out. Narendra Modi fixed everything", reflecting the frustration among a section of viewers after the decision.
Washington Sundar was cleanly out.
Narendra Modi Fixed everything 🤡 pic.twitter.com/S9PbUQIzqB- Honest Cricket Lover (@Honest_Cric_fan) May 31, 2026
Another fan questioned the role of technology in modern cricket, writing: "How is Washington Sundar's catch a not out? IPL 3rd umpire with all the technologies in the plate, how is this blunder going to be accepted?"
Sudarshan getting out ipl 2026 vs RR today top hand slips throwing is bat needs to be investigated in relationship with dehydration and nerves power and extreme heat #saidudarshan #ipl2026 @Gujarat_Titan @titansgujarat1
- Ramesh Ramakrishnan (@reviveramesh) May 29, 2026
Debate Goes Beyond Catch
Not everyone felt the controversy would decide the outcome of the final. One fan wrote: "Controversial call, but I don't think the game will come to Washington Sundar's wicket. "
Others viewed the incident from a tactical perspective. One social media user posted: "That's extremely clever to drop Washington Sundar. He's a pointless player who will eat up deliveries. " Another joked: "Now 15.2 cr people have to suffer a Washington Sundar inning. "
Ye match toh shuru hote hi khatam ho gya
- Lomarshi Bajpai (@LomarshiBajpai) May 31, 2026
The discussion also brought back memories of previous contentious decisions. A widely shared graphic compared the Sundar incident with an earlier catch involving Jason Holder, reigniting debate about whether third-umpire rulings are being applied consistently across matches.
Washington Sundar not out, this is some woke nonsense
- Anurag (@SnorrinRadd_) May 31, 2026
That's extremely clever to drop Washington Sundar.
- Pravir Singh (@Pravir21) May 31, 2026
He's a pointless player who will eat up deliveries. #IPLFinal #GTvRCB
🚨 Clueless captaincy from Shubman Gill
- Wren (@wrendom) May 29, 2026
- Spinners have been bowling well
- Washington Sundar bowled a 6-run 7th over and is yet to bowl his second
- Gave the ball to Prasidh, who lacks variations and went for 16 in his first over, to bowl the 11th
- Isn't talking to his… pic.twitter.com/7GEYdWQ63b
A Decision That Overshadowed Cricket
Beyond the catch itself, the reaction highlighted how closely every major umpiring call is scrutinised in modern cricket. The debate was not limited to whether Sundar should have been given out; it quickly evolved into a larger discussion about technology, consistency and the interpretation of catching laws.
While the match will ultimately be remembered for its result, the debate surrounding Washington Sundar's reprieve is likely to remain one of the defining talking points of the IPL 2026 final.
