Indian captain Shubman Gill pulled off a stunning catch to dismiss Kamindu Mendis on the third morning of the first Test between India and Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium on Monday. The left hander stepped out and turned a flighted delivery into a full one, and hit it towards extra covers. The ball travelled quickly towards Gill, who initially appeared to move for a two-handed catch before realising he needed more reach and plucked the ball one-handed inches above the turf. The ball was nearly touching the ground when he grabbed it; somehow it stayed in his hand as he hit the ground. He enjoyed the catch as he threw the ball in celebration and knew he had pulled off something special.
Sri Lanka were under pressure after India had scored 462 in their first innings. Early on Day 3, Mohammed Siraj and Manav Suthar had picked up wickets and the hosts were struggling. Then came Kuldeep Yadav’s first ball of his 17th over where Gill produced a moment of magic to dismiss Mendis. The batter looked stunned before walking off as Sri Lanka slipped to 59 for 4. This was a crucial wicket as he was looking solid before the dismissal having scored a six and a four already. The video of this catch has gone viral on social media with fans and former players left stunned with this effort.
Ian Bishop praises Shubman Gill's stunning catch on Twitter
Shubman Gill's efforts has put Sri Lanka in deep trouble as they have lost half their side. India will be looking to wrap up the lower order quickly. The catch from the Indian captain received plenty of praise from everyone. Sanjay Manjrekar on commentary said: “Wow, he had no right to take that. Honestly, it was never within his reach. Even the batter would have thought, Yeah, it is in the air, but it was well away. One of the best catches that you will see in that area.”
Former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop was also equally impressed. He took it to Twitter and put out a tweet which read: “That Shubman Gill catch,,,,, superb.”
India’s spinners dominated the opening session by reducing Sri Lanka to 99/5 after India were bowled out for 462. Manav Suthar struck twice for 17 runs, while Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja also picked up wickets. Shubman Gill added a spectacular one-handed catch to dismiss Kamindu Mendis for 14. This is already Day 3 of the Test match and with the rain forecast, the visitors need to make a push for a win. This is a very crucial match for India when it comes to the WTC cycle. They are currently placed fifth in the championship and a win here would boost them.
