Watch: Anukul Roy's stunning catch break MI record home opening partnership in MI vs KKR IPL 2026 Match 2

IPL 2026 started with spectacular catches on the field, and Anukul Roy from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has joined early in the list of potential catches of the tournament with a stunning catch to break the record opening partnership for the Mumbai Indians (MI). Although it was a one-sided chase, Anukul was exceptional for the KKR in their first game of the tournament. 

KKR had a brilliant start as they scored 220/4 in 20 overs after losing the toss at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. It was expected to be a chasable target for the hosts, who achieved it comfortably despite losing some late wickets. 

Former MI captain Rohit Sharma and wicketkeeper-batter Ryan Rickelton had a 148-run partnership for the opening wicket, which was the third-highest partnership for MI for any wicket. That partnership was broken only for Anukul Roy's brilliant catch. While Rohit went for a slog, Anukul started running back from mid-on and had a timely full-length dive to grab a stunner. MI openers had that partnership in just 11.5 overs, as Rohit was dismissed for 78 runs in just 38 balls. 

Mumbai Indians break long season-opener jinx

Rohit smashed six fours and six sixes in his brilliant knock. His opening partner Ryan Rickelton also scored 81 off 43 balls with four fours and eight sixes, before Anukul ran him out in a bizarre fashion. These openers helped MI chase down the target in 19.1 overs, as Tilak Varma (20), captain Hardik Pandya (18*), and impact substitute Suryakumar Yadav (16) had useful cameos. 

It was the highest successful chase for the Mumbai Indians. Meanwhile, with this win, MI finally broke their long-term poor season-opener jinx. It was the first time since 2013 that MI recorded a win on their IPL season opener. 

Anukul Roy also stunned with brilliant run-out

Anukul also impressed with a brilliant run-out to send another high-scoring MI opener, as South African Ryan Rickelton had a shocking run-out. After completing the first run, Ryan went for the second, but his partner Tilak denied, as the South African was returning to the non-striker end crease. Meanwhile, from the long off, Anukul sent a throw that directly hit the non-striker's end wicket, while Ryan was yet to reach the crease after denying the second run. It was a bizarre fashion to lose the wicket while the hosts were still 37 runs away from victory. 

Fans' reaction to Anukul Roy's stunning catch