SL vs IND 2026: Shubman Gill produces one-handed stunner to dismiss Kamindu Mendis

India captain Shubman Gill produced one of the catches of the series on Day 3 of the 1st Test against Sri Lanka at Galle International Stadium on August 17, 2026. Fielding at short extra-cover, Gill dived full length to his left and completed a one-handed grab inches from the ground to send back Kamindu Mendis off the bowling of Kuldeep Yadav.

The dismissal came on the first ball of the 16th over. Kamindu Mendis had shimmied down the pitch and attempted a push-drive, but played the ball uppishly after getting too close to the pitch of the delivery. The ball flew towards short extra-cover where Gill was positioned.

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Gill initially shaped to take the catch with both hands, but the ball was dying quickly as it reached him. He extended himself fully, going parallel to the ground, and secured it with his left hand alone, making sure it did not pop out on landing.

Mendis walked off having scored 14 runs from 25 balls, with one four and one six to his name. The scorecard entry read: caught Shubman Gill, bowled Kuldeep Yadav. As he left the field, Mendis gestured to indicate he felt he should have played straighter. Gill celebrated by throwing the ball into the air, raising his arms and punching the air, with teammates quickly gathering around him.

The 1st Test is the opening match of a two-match series between Sri Lanka and India. India won the toss and elected to bat first on August 15, 2026. In doing so, India became the first Asian side and only the third team after England and Australia to appear in 600 Tests, a milestone that arrived under Gill's captaincy.

Sri Lanka are led by Dhananjaya de Silva in this series, with Niroshan Dickwella keeping wicket. The hosts handed a debut to off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha, a 25-year-old who had impressed in the warm-up game by claiming the wickets of KL Rahul, Gill and Rishabh Pant. Mendis, the 27-year-old Galle-born all-rounder, was named in Sri Lanka's XI as an all-round option for this Test.

The second Test in the two-match series is the next confirmed fixture for both sides after the conclusion of the Galle match.