Padikkal takes a stunning diving catch [Source: Star Sports/X]Devdutt Padikkal took a stunning diving catch in the India A vs Australia A One Day game to stun the Aussie batter, Josh Philippe. The ball was travelling fast, but Padikkal reacted swiftly, and his safe pair of hands sent the batter back to the pavilion.Padikkal is known as one of the “safest Indian fielders” currently, and his acrobatic movement in the 5th over of the Australian innings justified the statement.Padikkal's diving catch ends Philippe's short stay at the creaseArshad Khan, the left-arm seamer, bowled the 5th over of the Australian innings, and Philippe was looking scratchy at the crease. The pacer bowled a delivery that pitched up and moved away from the right-handed batter.Philippe played away from his body as the ball took the outside edge and flew quickly towards Padikkal. The Indian fielder stretched with a dive to his right and grabbed the ball with both hands to give India a crucial breakthrough.Star Sports @StarSportsIndia A picture-perfect take from Devdutt Padikkal! 📸 Arshad Khan gets Josh Philippe as Team India tighten their grip! 🔥 #INDAvAUSA 👉 Streaming Live Now Oct 6, 2026, 2:43 PM The ball was travelling fast, so the Indian player had to judge it quickly as he made the perfect diving attempt to snatch the ball with both handsALSO READSai Sudharsan Breaks Silence On Devdutt Padikkal Snatching His Spot In Team IndiaPadikkal touted as future India captainPadikkal was appointed the India vice-captain for the Australia A series, and there is a belief that the Karnataka batter is touted as the future India captain.He has been in the leadership scheme of things for his domestic team, and his appointment as vice-captain prompted the BCCI to look at him as one of the future leaders, considering he has cemented his place in the Test team as well.The BCCI is reportedly keen on picking him in the ODI series for the New Zealand tour, which indicates that the board is planning to slowly integrate him across formats.Padikkal in supreme form for IndiaWith the bat and on the field, the southpaw has contributed immensely to his team. The recently concluded Test series against Sri Lanka cemented his permanent place in the red-ball team, as the batter seized the opportunity in Sai Sudharsan’s absence.In just two matches, the Karnataka batter scored 328 runs, with an average of 109.33, including a stunning 167 in the first Test match at Galle. His knock helped India take a 1-0 lead in the series.The series also ensured that Padikkal has become India’s number one choice at the number 3 spot in Tests.ALSO READ4 Indians Picked As ICC Announces Player Of The Month Nominees
