IPL 2021: Umesh Yadav pulls off a classy catch to dismiss Ajinkya Rahane during practice match

Gone are those days when fast-bowlers used to be poor fielders. Teams around the world have started prioritizing fielding and fitness and the fast-bowlers also make sure to keep up with the team’s standards. And perhaps nothing shows the rise in pacer’s fielding standards better than the catch taken by Umesh Yadav during a recent training session for  Delhi Capitals.

It was an intra-squad practice match and the India fast-bowler was bowling to Ajinkya Rahane. The right-handed batsman wanted to play a flick shot but ended up edging it towards Umesh. The ball, however, was still far from the bowler and it looked like it would land safely. However, Umesh made a stunning full-length dive towards his left and caught the ball with one hand to complete a breathtaking catch.

The 33-year old would be hoping to get a chance in the Delhi Capitals’ second game of IPL 2021. Umesh, who had started his IPL career with the Delhi-based franchise, warmed the bench during his team’s tournament opener. In February, Delhi Capitals had secured his services in the auction. Umesh had further bolstered the team’s bowling lineup that boasts the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Chris Woakes, Ishant Sharma, Anrich Nortje, and Avesh Khan.

Here is a clip of the catch from Umesh Yadav:

A mid-air one-handed stunner 🤯#YehHaiNayiDilli #IPL2021 #DCOnThePitch @OctaFX @y_umesh pic.twitter.com/0jrEf5nXOl

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 13, 2021

Delhi Capitals make winning start:

Talking about Delhi Capitals’ start in IPL 2021, the last year’s beaten finalists have begun their campaign on a stunning note. They thrashed Chennai Super Kings by 7 wickets in the second game of the ongoing competition. Asked to bat first, CSK scored 188 for 7 in the stipulated 20 overs.

CSK were off to a disastrous start as Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis departed with just seven runs on the board. But useful contributions from Moeen Ali (36), Suresh Raina (54), and Sam Curran (34) helped them cross the 180-run mark. But Delhi Capitals chased down the big total without facing any trouble whatsoever.

Their openers Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw came out all guns blazing and scored stunning fifties to guide their team to the big win. Dhawan scored 85 while Shaw scored 72 as the openers added 138 runs to seal the game for their team.