Ahead of the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, India are taking on the Sri Lanka Cricket XI in a three-day practice match to fine-tune their preparations. During the contest, one moment quickly grabbed attention online after KL Rahul, leading the side in Shubman Gill’s absence, put down a straightforward catch that gave Ravindu Rasantha a second chance at the crease. The missed opportunity came as India searched for breakthroughs, and the clip of Rahul’s dropped chance soon began circulating widely across social media.
Watch Video: KL Rahul Drops a Regulation Catch in the Slips vs Sri Lanka XI
Kl Rahul dropped a sitter in slip , during warm up game against sri lanka 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/8izxlMk7zK
— Ansh (@159atsydney_) August 7, 2026
The opportunity came in the 26th over when Kuldeep Yadav forced Ravindu Rasantha into edging a tentative shot towards first slip, but KL Rahul was unable to hold on to what appeared to be a straightforward chance. Sri Lanka Cricket XI were 130/1 at the time, with Rasantha batting on 43, and the opener capitalised on the lifeline by adding another 28 runs before Manav Suthar eventually removed him for 71 off 143 balls, an innings featuring six fours and a six.
Why Ravindu Rasantha’s Wicket Was a Crucial Breakthrough for India
Ravindu Rasantha’s dismissal proved to be a much-needed breakthrough for India after the Sri Lanka Cricket XI opener had controlled the innings for most of the day. His patient 71 off 143 deliveries gave the hosts a solid platform and helped them recover from India’s early attempts to make inroads. Alongside Nishan Madushka, Rasantha added a 110-run opening partnership, frustrating the Indian bowlers and keeping the scoreboard moving on a batting-friendly surface.
India’s pace attack, led by Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, struggled to make an impact in the opening session, while Rasantha looked comfortable against both pace and spin. Having already settled in at the crease, he appeared well placed to convert his half-century into a much bigger score, making his wicket all the more valuable for the visitors as it prevented Sri Lanka Cricket XI from tightening their grip on the contest.
The breakthrough eventually came through left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, who tempted Rasantha into an attacking stroke with a well-flighted delivery outside off stump. Attempting to take the spinner on, Rasantha failed to get to the pitch of the ball and ended up slicing it towards deep mid-off, where Mohammed Siraj completed the catch safely. The wicket gave India a timely boost and helped the bowlers build some momentum heading into the closing stages of the day’s play.
