Delhi Capitals‘ off-spinning all-rounder Lalit Yadav was brought in the line-up to tackle the CSK left-handers for their match on Wednesday at the Chepauk. However, Lalit Yadav returned with a wicket of a right-hander, Ajinkya Rahane, and it took a spectacular catch from the off-spinner to dismiss the in-form Rahane.
On the first ball of the 11th over, Ajinkya Rahane chipped down the track and whacked a full ball from Lalit Yadav straight down the ground. The ball kept very low and was traveling at the speed of knots.
In spite of the speed of the ball, Lalit Yadav judged the ball properly, and went low for a catch, diving across his right. He stuck out his hand and the ball thudded straight into the palm of his right handed. Lalit Yadav was even pushed back a bit because of the momentum of the ball, but the off-spinner didn’t let the ball get out his grasp and completed a sensational catch before celebrating animatedly.
Watch: Lalit Yadav plucks the catch of the season to dismiss Rahane
THAT. WAS. STUNNING! 👌 👌
Relive that sensational catch from @LalitYadav03 👍 👍
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— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 10, 2023
Meanwhile, CSK have posted a formidable total of 167 on a pitch that is aiding spin bowling. CSK batters couldn’t get going early on and the team was at 77/4 at the time Lalit Yadav dismissed Rahane. Shivam Dube then counter-attacked with a brilliant 12-ball 25, Rayudu scored 23, Jadeja scored 21 and Dhoni blasted 20 runs off 9 balls to take CSK to a defendable total on this pitch.
Axar Patel, who returned with 2/27, said: The wicket is slow and the ball is stopping as well. There is dew now. It won’t be very easy but I think it’s chaseable. Not much dew, but it won’t be easy to grip the ball. (On Conway’s wicket) His main shots are sweep and reverse-sweep, captain wanted to have deep square leg, I told no and wanted him to hit towards that area. I bowled the first ball full and he missed it. Glad that I got a wicket off the first ball, otherwise I may not have completed my quota of four overs (laughs).
