Watch: Akash Deep's magical delivery sends Nitish Reddy packing in Duleep Trophy

Akash Deep's magical delivery sends Nitish Reddy packing in Duleep Trophy. (Image: X Screengrab)

On the opening day of the 2024 Duleep Trophy, cricket fans at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru were treated to a thrilling display of fielding and bowling excellence.

Shubman Gill of India A and pacer Akash Deep were the standout performers of the day. Gill's spectacular catch and Deep's precise bowling were the highlights of the day's play in Duleep Trophy.

Fast bowler Akash Deep delivered a standout performance. In his 12th over, Deep produced a stunning delivery that dismissed Nitish Kumar Reddy for a golden duck. Having just removed Rishabh Pant with his previous delivery, Deep maintained his impeccable form against Reddy, who looked tense and was unable to handle the accurate delivery. The ball, pitched on off stump, straightened just enough to beat Reddy's outside edge and struck the top of the stumps, leaving Reddy completely unprepared for the seam movement. It was an unfortunate start for Reddy, facing such a superb delivery right away. The combination of Gill's remarkable fielding and Deep's precise bowling set the tone for what promises to be an exciting contest in the Duleep Trophy.

pic.twitter.com/R2kJJvm1kQ
September 5, 2024

In another dramatic moment, India A captain Shubman Gill took a breathtaking catch to dismiss Rishabh Pant, who was making his return to red-ball cricket after nearly two years. Pant, playing for India B under the captaincy of Abhimanyu Easwaran, struggled to make an impact, falling for just 7 runs on the first day. The pivotal moment came in the 35th over when Pant, known for his aggressive batting, attempted to loft a delivery from Akash Deep into the on-side. However, the ball took a leading edge and soared over mid-off. Gill, stationed at mid-on, showcased his remarkable fielding skills by sprinting backwards and executing a sensational diving catch, nearly parallel to the ground as he secured the ball in his extended hands.

While Gill's brilliance in the field was undeniable, it did come with a scare. He landed awkwardly on his right shoulder during the catch and briefly appeared to be in discomfort. Despite this concern, Gill managed to shake off the injury and continued to lead his side with determination.