The Duleep Trophy 2025 Final at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground in Bengaluru between South Zone and Central Zone witnessed one of the most memorable moments of the contest. The incident unfolded in the 48th over when spinner Saransh bowled a beautiful delivery that turned just enough to kiss the outside edge of Salman Nizar’s bat. What followed was sheer brilliance in the field.
Stationed in the slips, Rajat Patidar reacted in an instant. Showing remarkable athleticism, he flung himself full length to his right, stretching every muscle to complete what seemed like an impossible catch. The stunning grab drew gasps from the crowd and had his teammates rushing to congratulate him on the spectacular effort.
The dismissal was a reflection of Patidar’s sharp anticipation and flawless reflexes. In a high-pressure match, where every run and every wicket mattered, his effort stood out as a game-changing moment. The timing of his dive and his commitment underlined the importance of fielding as much as bowling or batting in such crunch encounters.
STUNNER FROM RAJAT PATIDAR IN THE FINAL. 🥶 pic.twitter.com/wfFEUjBzyo
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 11, 2025
Moments like these often swing the momentum of big games. Patidar’s catch did more than just send Nizar back to the pavilion—it lifted Central Zone’s morale and gave them a fresh surge of energy in the field. The crowd too erupted, sensing the intensity of the final rise to another level.
Beyond the scorecard, Patidar’s brilliance was also a testament to his value as an all-round cricketer. While he is well recognized for his batting skills, this moment served as a reminder of how reliable he is in the field. For Central Zone, his effort became a symbolic highlight of the final, showcasing the fine margins that often decide marquee matches like the Duleep Trophy.