Devdutt Padikkal is not only a rising star with the bat but also a sharp fielder, known for his impressive catching skills. On Day 1 of the Irani Cup match between the Rest of India and Mumbai, Padikkal showcased his fielding prowess by taking a stunning catch to dismiss the dangerous Prithvi Shaw early in the game.
The Rest of India won the toss and opted to bowl first at Lucknow, looking to make the most of the early conditions. In just the third over of Mumbai’s first innings, Mukesh Kumar delivered a crucial breakthrough. He bowled a good length delivery outside off stump, tempting Prithvi Shaw into a drive.
Prithvi Shaw, unable to resist, attempted a flowing cover drive but could only manage an outside edge. The ball flew quickly to the right of Padikkal, stationed at second slip.
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With remarkable agility, Padikkal dived full stretch to his right and plucked the ball out of the air with both hands. It was a spectacular catch, one that sent shockwaves through the Mumbai camp. Shaw, a key player for Mumbai, was dismissed for just 4 off 7 balls, leaving his team in an early spot of bother.
WHAT. A. CATCH 🔥
Devdutt Padikkal pulls off a stunning catch in slips to dismiss Prithvi Shaw đź‘Ź
Mukesh Kumar gets the early breakthrough đź‘Ś
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— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) October 1, 2024
Devdutt Padikkal’s catch sparked jubilant celebrations among the Rest of India players, with Mukesh Kumar particularly thrilled at getting the prized scalp of Shaw. Mukesh, in fact, was on fire in his opening spell. He followed up Shaw’s wicket with the dismissal of wicketkeeper-batter Hardik Tamore, who came in at No. 3 and fell for a duck. Mukesh’s relentless pressure continued as he dismissed debutant Ayush Mhatre, who had opened alongside Shaw. Mhatre looked promising but was out for 19 off 35 balls.
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By the end of Mukesh’s initial spell, Mumbai’s top three were back in the pavilion, courtesy of his superb bowling. Although Yash Dayal, Mukesh’s new ball partner, bowled well, he didn’t find success in terms of wickets. The Rest of India fielded a strong lineup, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, with a powerful batting order featuring Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sai Sudharsan, and Padikkal himself.
The team’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Mukesh and Dayal, looked formidable, supported by spinners Saranash Jain and Manav Suthar. Mumbai, on the other hand, had a star-studded lineup with the likes of Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, and Sarfaraz Khan. The return of Shardul Thakur from injury added depth to their squad. Despite their strength, the early blows from Mukesh Kumar and Padikkal’s stunning catch put Mumbai on the back foot.
