Ryan Rickelton takes stunning catch to send back Sai Sudharsan for 15 in IND vs SA 2025 2nd Test [Watch]

Team India batter Sai Sudharsan did not have an eventful return to the No.3 spot after being dismissed for 15 runs in the first innings of the second Test against South Africa. The southpaw had to depart after a brilliant catch by Ryan Rickelton in the closing stages of the first session on Day 3 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.

Sai Sudharsan faced a trial by spin as the Proteas bowlers were getting into the game, as the pitch began to act up slowly after two relatively uneventful days. After being sidelined for the series opener in Kolkata, the left-handed batter was watchful initially after scoring a confident early cover drive off Simon Harmer’s bowling.

During the 35th over of the innings, Harmer dragged his length back, bowling a half-tracker. Sudharsan was immediately tempted and rocked back to launch a vicious pull shot. He struck it with force, but could not get the elevation as the ball headed straight towards the fielder at midwicket.

Rickelton had to react quickly to the travelling ball, and managed to get his hands to it. However, the momentum caused him to spin, and during the motion, the ball spilled out of his hands for a split second. However, he maintained his composure to clutch the ball once again just before it was about to make contact with the ground. Have a look at the stunning piece of fielding right here:

The on-field umpire referred the decision upstairs just for confirmation. The third umpire confirmed that the catch was legal after checking the replays, and ended Sudharsan’s stay at the crease.

Team India in trouble after losing four wickets in the first session as Dhruv Jurel departs after Sai Sudharsan in IND vs SA 2025 2nd Test

The hosts, eyeing a mammoth first innings score of 489 set by South Africa, are in a tough spot after a bitter end to the first session right before the Tea Break. They were relatively well-placed at 95-1 in the 33rd over, before a short burst saw them lose three wickets to end the session at 102-4.

After Sai Sudharsan’s dismissal, Dhruv Jurel followed suit with an embarrassing 11-ball duck. Featuring at No.4 in the absence of Shubman Gill, the wicket-keeper batter threw his wicket away while trying to pul Marco Jansen on the cusp of Tea.

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Edited by Gokul Nair