Shubman Gill takes one‑handed diving catch to dismiss Kamindu Mendis in first Test at Galle

Shubman Gill produced a one‑handed diving catch to dismiss Kamindu Mendis during the first Test between India and Sri Lanka at the Galle International Cricket Stadium on Day 3. The India captain’s left‑side, one‑handed grab sent Mendis back to the pavilion and was captured on video during the match.

India posted 462 in their first innings, with Devdutt Padikkal top‑scoring on 167; KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel also registered half‑centuries. The final Indian wicket fell on Day 3 after India had won the toss and elected to bat.

The dismissal came after Mendis attempted an aggressive drive off the length; Gill anticipated the shot, leapt sideways and completed the catch with one hand. The sequence followed an all‑spin phase introduced by India as they sought to apply pressure on the Sri Lankan batters.

Jasprit Bumrah did not play the first Test, with Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna sharing the new ball. Siraj produced the first breakthrough in a short spell before captain Gill turned to a spin‑heavy attack.

Young Manav Suthar was the first spinner used by India and struck in his very first over. Kuldeep Yadav bowled an economical spell and then picked up two quick wickets, one of which was the experienced batter Dinesh Chandimal.

Shubman Gill scored 16 in India’s innings. With four early wickets, Sri Lanka were described as struggling early on Day 3 with a mountain of runs in front of them.

The match at Galle is the opening fixture of India’s final opportunity to secure a place in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2027 Final.