SL vs IND 2026: Shubman Gill Grabs Diving One-Handed Catch to Dismiss Kamindu Mendis
India captain Shubman Gill executed a remarkable one-handed diving catch on Day 3 of the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium, dismissing all-rounder Kamindu Mendis off Kuldeep Yadav’s bowling.
What Happened
The dismissal took place on the opening delivery of the 16th over on August 17, 2026. Sri Lankan batter Kamindu Mendis stepped down the track to attempt a push-drive against spinner Kuldeep Yadav. After getting too close to the pitch of the ball, Mendis lofted his stroke towards the short extra-cover region.
Stationed at short extra-cover, Gill initially shaped to collect the ball using both hands. Realising the ball was dipping rapidly towards the turf, the Indian skipper stretched out fully parallel to the ground and grasped the ball cleanly with his left hand inches above the surface. He maintained control through the landing to prevent the ball from spilling out.
Mendis departed for 14 runs off 25 deliveries, a knock that included one boundary and one six. As he walked back, the 27-year-old indicated through gestures that he ought to have played straighter. Gill celebrated the wicket by throwing the ball skyward, raising his arms, and punching the air as his teammates swarmed him.
Key Highlights
- The Dismissal: Kamindu Mendis was caught by Shubman Gill off the bowling of Kuldeep Yadav on the first ball of over 16.
- Fielding Effort: Gill dove full-stretch to his left at short extra-cover, securing a one-handed catch inches above the ground.
- Mendis’s Innings: The left-hander scored 14 runs from 25 balls, featuring a four and a six.
- Historic Match: Having won the toss and chosen to bat on August 15, India marked their 600th Test match under Gill’s captaincy, joining England and Australia as the only teams to hit the milestone.
Why This Matters
The breakthrough removed Sri Lanka’s home-town all-rounder Mendis, halting a counter-attacking innings that had already yielded two boundaries. Additionally, the match holds broader historical significance for Indian cricket, serving as the team’s 600th Test appearance and their first as an Asian nation to reach the landmark number.
What to Watch Next
The action at the Galle International Stadium continues across the remaining sessions of this series opener. Following the conclusion of the first Test, both squads are scheduled to compete in the second and final match of the two-Test series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who took the catch to dismiss Kamindu Mendis?
Indian captain Shubman Gill took the catch at short extra-cover off Kuldeep Yadav’s bowling.
What were Kamindu Mendis’s stats before getting dismissed?
Kamindu Mendis scored 14 runs from 25 balls, hitting one four and one six.
What historic milestone did India achieve in this Test match?
By taking the field in this match, India became the third team in Test cricket history—and the first from Asia—to compete in 600 Test matches.
Source: Crictracker