In a thrilling encounter during the 2024 Irani Cup at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, Devdutt Padikkal showcased his exceptional fielding skills by clinching a stunning catch in the slip cordon. This remarkable effort helped the Rest of India (ROI) secure an early breakthrough against the formidable Mumbai side on Tuesday, October 1.
ROI captain Ruturaj Gaikwad won the toss and opted to field first, a decision that proved to be beneficial as they faced off against the Ajinkya Rahane-led Mumbai team. Prithvi Shaw, opening the innings alongside Ayush Mhatre, started positively, hitting a boundary off the second delivery from Mukesh Kumar.
However, Shaw’s promising start came to a swift end in the third over. Facing Mukesh Kumar again, the right-arm pacer delivered a fullish ball that tempted Shaw into a trademark drive. Unfortunately for him, the ball took a thick outside edge, seemingly destined to slip through the gap between the second slip and gully. But Padikkal, known for his reliable fielding, had other plans. He dove full length to his right, plucking the ball from the air with both hands to complete a spectacular catch.
Devdutt Padikkal Takes a Brilliant Catch to Remove Prithvi Shaw
This impressive take not only sent Shaw back to the pavilion for just four runs but also set the tone for ROI’s bowling attack. Devdutt Padikkal‘s prowess in the field is well-documented; he made headlines earlier this year with a smart catch on his Test debut against England. His reputation as a reliable fielder was further solidified during the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), where he demonstrated his skills with a direct hit and a solid catch against his former franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
As the match unfolds, Devdutt Padikkal’s catch serves as a reminder of his growing stature in Indian cricket, contributing not just with the bat but also making significant impacts on the field.
