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Devdutt Padikkal takes flight to get rid of Prithvi Shaw. (Screengrab)
Devdutt Padikkal, who was placed at second slip, pulled off an acrobatic effort to complete the sensational catch.
Devdutt Padikkal produced an exceptional fielding effort to help give the Rest of India an early breakthrough in the Irani Cup against Mumbai on Tuesday. Mukesh Kumar, in the third over, bowled an outswinger to Shaw to which the Mumbai opener attempted a cover drive.
Shaw, however, misjudged the line and the ball brushed off his bat. It was travelling to the third-man region through the gap between slip and gully.
Padikkal, who was placed at second slip, pulled off an acrobatic effort. He jumped to his right and pouched the ball to end Shaw’s innings.
Courtesy of the stunning catch, Mumbai suffered an early blow in the first innings, with Shaw returning to the dressing room after scoring four runs.
The early wicket worked as a boost for Mukesh’s confidence who after sending off Shaw, also got rid of Hardik Tomar for a duck.
Captain Ajinkya Rahane then arrived at the crease and joined hands with the other Mumbai opener Ayush Mahtre.
The duo added 31 runs before Mukesh struck again with the scalp of Mahtre.
This was Shaw’s first innings after India’s domestic season got underway last month with the Duleep Trophy.
He was not included in any of the four teams that featured in the competition.
When the squads were selected, Shaw was plying his trade in County Cricket. The 24-year-old has represented Northamptonshire across several First-Class and List A matches this term.
Shaw, who seeks a return to the Indian Test set-up, will aim to make a strong statement in the Irani Cup.
Rest of India captain Ruturaj Gaikwad won the toss and opted to bowl first against defending Ranji champions Mumbai in Lucknow.
Mumbai will rely a lot on Sarfaraz Khan the middle order. The talented batter was part of India’s squad for the second Test against Bangladesh but was released to feature in the Irani Cup.
