During the IPL 2026 season, Shreyas Iyer made headlines with an extraordinary catch to dismiss Hardik Pandya at Wankhede Stadium, showcasing his acrobatic skills. The catch received praise from cricket legends, including Sachin Tendulkar and Jonty Rhodes. Rhodes, reflecting on Iyer's performance, stated that he now feels like the 'grandfather of fielding' as he observes the evolution of fielding techniques in modern cricket. He emphasized how today's players, with their timing and awareness, have transformed the game, particularly in boundary-saving efforts. Rhodes shared his experience of working with fielders like Kieron Pollard and Glenn Maxwell, highlighting the shift in focus towards boundary fielding. He concluded by noting that such spectacular efforts not only enhance team morale but are crucial in supporting bowlers against aggressive batting strategies.