India made a strong start with the ball on Day 3 of the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium, but it was captain Shubman Gill’s brilliance in the field that provided one of the biggest highlights of the opening session. With the hosts looking to rebuild after losing early wickets, Gill produced a sensational one-handed catch to remove Sri Lanka vice-captain Kamindu Mendis.

The dismissal came shortly after India were bowled out for 462, giving their bowlers an opportunity to put pressure on the Sri Lankan batting lineup. Mohammed Siraj and Manav Suthar made early inroads before Kuldeep Yadav joined the attack and immediately made an impact.

Shubman Gill takes stunning catch to dismiss Kamindu Mendis

The breakthrough came with the very first delivery of Kuldeep’s 17th over. Kamindu advanced down the pitch and attempted to drive the ball through the off-side, but failed to keep the shot along the ground. The ball flew towards the cover region, where Gill was stationed. Reading the trajectory quickly, the India skipper moved across and launched himself towards his left as the ball began to dip rapidly.

Gill stretched out his left hand at full length and managed to grab the ball just before it hit the ground, completing a spectacular one-handed diving catch. The effort left Mendis disappointed after the Sri Lankan batter had shown signs of settling into the innings.

Here’s the video:

Left hand, full stretch, absolute stunner from Shubman Gill! 🥵

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Also SL vs IND [WATCH]: Dhananjaya de Silva pulls off stunning one-handed catch to dismiss Dhruv Jurel on Day 2

Shubman Gill’s fielding role continues in Galle

Gill’s spectacular catch was particularly noteworthy considering his current fielding position. The India captain has spent most of the match stationed away from the slip cordon as he continues to manage blows to his finger sustained during preparations for the Test. Gill had suffered another blow during fielding drills while attempting a catch in the slips ahead of the warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI in Colombo. As a result, he has largely operated in the outfield during the ongoing Test.

Mendis’ dismissal further strengthened India’s position as Sri Lanka lost another important batter. Dinesh Chandimal had already departed without making a significant contribution, while Mendis had managed a couple of boundaries before Gill’s outstanding effort ended his stay. Sri Lanka’s situation worsened further before the lunch break when captain Dhananjaya de Silva also fell. At the end of the first session, the hosts were reduced to 141/5 after 40 overs, leaving India firmly in control of the contest.

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