WATCH: KL Rahul Drops Simple Catch Off Kuldeep Yadav During IND Vs SL Practice Match

KL Rahul endured a rare fielding lapse during India's three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground in Colombo. Standing in as captain for the absent Shubman Gill, Rahul dropped a straightforward catch at first slip to hand opener Ravindu Rasantha a crucial lifeline. The missed chance came at a time when India were searching for an early breakthrough.

The opportunity arrived in the 26th over when Kuldeep Yadav found the outside edge of Rasantha's bat. Rahul moved to his right and attempted a one-handed catch, but the ball struck his palm and slipped out. Rasantha was batting on 43 when the chance went down.

The Sri Lanka XI opener made India pay for the mistake with a well-compiled 71. He settled in after the reprieve and added valuable runs before finally giving his wicket away. His knock kept the hosts in the contest during the practice game.

Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar eventually ended Rasantha's resistance. The opener mistimed an attacking shot and was caught, giving India the breakthrough they had been chasing. Suthar's wicket brought an end to Rasantha's impressive innings, which had been extended by Rahul's dropped catch.