Team India captain Shubman Gill took a stunning one-handed diving catch at extra cover to dismiss Kamindu Mendis during the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium on Monday, August 17. Kuldeep Yadav provided India with a crucial breakthrough by dismissing the dangerous batter.
The dismissal left Sri Lanka four wickets down in their first innings after India posted 462 earlier in the match. India’s spinners, including Manav Suthar and Kuldeep, continued to trouble the hosts on the turning Galle surface. The visitors looked to build pressure and strengthen their position in the series opener.
Shubman Gill Takes Screamer at Cover to Send Back Kamindu Mendis
Kuldeep Yadav struck with the first ball of his 17th over during Sri Lanka’s first innings at the Galle International Cricket Stadium. He bowled a flighted delivery outside off that gripped and turned away. Kamindu Mendis stepped out and drove uppishly towards extra cover.
Shubman Gill reacted quickly and dived full length to his left at cover. The India captain stretched out his left hand and pulled off a brilliant low catch just above the ground. He held on safely as he landed before throwing the ball into the air in celebration.
Kamindu Mendis departed for 14 off 25 balls, with one four and one six, as Sri Lanka lost their fourth wicket. The catch gave Kuldeep Yadav his first wicket of the innings and kept India firmly in control as their spinners continued to trouble the hosts.
Bhai, fire catch by Kaptaan Gill sahab 🔥🔥🔥#ShubmanGill#IndVSSL pic.twitter.com/RjQUmN2pjo
— Naina Dev (@NainaDev380254) August 17, 2026
One Of the Best - Sanjay Manjrekar Hails Shubman Gill’s Stunning Catch
Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar, who was on commentary during the moment, was left amazed by Shubman Gill’s effort at extra cover. Manjrekar pointed out that the ball appeared to be travelling away from Gill and described it as one of the best catches he had seen in that part of the field.
“Wow, he had no right to take that. "Honestly, it was never within his reach. Even the batter would have thought, ‘Yeah, it’s in the air, but it was well away.' One of the best catches that you will see in that area,” Manjrekar said on commentary.
The catch also left Kamindu Mendis surprised. Although Kuldeep Yadav was credited with the wicket, Gill’s athleticism made the dismissal possible and gave India their fourth breakthrough as the visitors’ spinners continued to dominate Sri Lanka in Galle.
India Bowled Out for 462 After Adding Just Two Runs on Day 3
India were bowled out for 462 in their first innings on Day 3 of the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Cricket Stadium on Monday. After ending Day 2 at 460/9, India sent Kuldeep Yadav and Prasidh Krishna back out instead of declaring overnight.
The decision did not add much to India’s total, as Asitha Fernando dismissed Prasidh Krishna after India managed only two more runs. Kuldeep Yadav remained unbeaten as India ended their innings. Devdutt Padikkal’s outstanding 167 is the standout performance of the visitors’ batting effort.
Prabath Jayasuriya led Sri Lanka’s bowling attack with 4/109, while Keshara Nuwantha claimed 3/175 and Asitha Fernando finished with 2/63. India’s innings was also affected by rain on Day 2, with the first two sessions washed out due to persistent showers.
Also read: 'Magician' Manav Suthar dismisses Dinesh Chandimal first ball as Rishabh Pant takes stunner
