India C captain Ruturaj Gaikwad stunned fans with a one-handed, Superman-like catch in the Duleep Trophy on Saturday, September 21. Stationed at extra cover, Gaikwad pulled off a remarkable dive to dismiss a dangerous-looking Riyan Parag, who had been scoring freely. The highlight moment occurred during the 49th over of India A’s second innings.
Facing pacer Gaurav Yadav, Parag advanced down the pitch and hammered a shot through the covers. Although Parag’s strike was powerful, its placement wasn’t ideal, giving Gaikwad just enough of a chance. Reacting quickly, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper launched himself to his left, catching the ball one-handed mid-dive, leaving both Parag and the fans in awe.
WATCH – KL Rahul’s Spectacular Diving Catch Dismisses Mushfiqur Rahim In First Test
Gaikwad’s incredible effort immediately went viral on social media, with fans praising his athleticism and commitment on the field. At the time, Mayank Agarwal’s India A held a commanding 297-run lead, thanks to fifties from Parag and Shashwat Rawat, extending their advantage over India C. In the first innings, India A had posted 297 runs, with Rawat shining with a century (124).
One-handed STUNNER! 🔥
Ruturaj Gaikwad is on fire on the field. He’s pulled off yet another splendid catch, this time to dismiss Riyan Parag 👏#DuleepTrophy | @IDFCFIRSTBank
Follow the match ▶️: https://t.co/QkxvrUnnhz pic.twitter.com/6IcU3wwk2X
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) September 21, 2024
However, Gaikwad’s India C struggled to match India A’s first innings total, falling short at 234 runs, despite a fiery bowling performance from Aaqib and Avesh Khan. Gaikwad himself had a disappointing outing with the bat, managing only 17 runs. In a previous Duleep Trophy match, Gaikwad led India C to victory over India D in a thrilling contest in Anantapur.
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The match, dominated by bowlers, saw India C clinch a 4-wicket win on Day 3. Despite early challenges, key players like Shreyas Iyer, Devdutt Padikkal, and Gaikwad found form, while bowlers Manav Suthar, Harshit Rana, and Vijaykumar Vyshak shone with their performances. The local crowd in Anantapur thoroughly enjoyed the three-day cricket spectacle.
