[Watch] Devdutt Padikkal grabs a stunner at slip to dismiss Prithvi Shaw in 2024 Irani Cup 

Rest of India's (ROI) Devdutt Padikkal clinched a stunning catch in the slip cordon to help the team strike early in the 2024 Irani Cup clash against Mumbai on Tuesday, October 1. The acrobatic take resulted in Prithvi Shaw walking back to the pavilion for just four runs in the third over.

ROI skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad had put in the Ajinkya Rahane-led Mumbai side to bat first at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. Shaw, opening the innings with Ayush Mhatre, started things on a positive note after dispatching Mukesh Kumar for a boundary off the second delivery of the match.

Shaw was up against the right-arm pacer yet again after Yash Dayal bowled from the other end. Mukesh Kumar pitched it on a fullish length straight up, tempting Shaw to go for one of his trademark drives. The opening batter took the bait, but the lavish drive came at a cost as it claimed a thick outside edge.

The ball initially seemed destined to make it through the gap between second slip and gully, but Padikkal dove full length to his right, and pouched the ball with both hands to complete a stunning catch. Have a look at the incredible piece of fielding right here:

Padikkal has earned a reputation for being a reliable fielder. He had claimed a smart catch on his Test debut against England earlier this year. He also put in a strong fielding display including a direct hit and a solid catch against his former franchise RCB during the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL).

Mumbai off to a jittery start after Padikkal's stunner

The Rest of India got the start they wanted courtesy of Devdutt Padikkal's brilliant catch. They capitalized on the early breakthrough by dismissing Hardik Tamore for a duck in the same over to reduce the Ranji champions to 6-2 in the early stages.

As of writing, skipper Ajinkya Rahane is at the crease with Ayush Mhatre while the score reads 26-2 after seven overs of play.