Watch: KS Bharat pouches stunning one-handed catch in Ranji Trophy

Always a great sign in game of cricket when elite athletes take the center-stage with their agility. It is even better when something like that comes up from the wicket-keeper. Certain things that can lift the whole team over during the course.

KS Bharat shows his class once again
Gujarat is hosting Andhra Pradesh for round 9 of this season’s Ranji Trophy at Nadiad. On second day of the game, KS Bharat decided to light up the stage with his heroics behind the stumps. Right arm medium K V Sasikanth was bowling to in-form Gujarat opener Priyank Panchal in 16th over of the innings. Sasikanth bowled a back of the length in-swinger to the batsman. Panchal was taken by surprise and inside edged the ball behind where KS Bharat took one-handed diving screamer to sent Panchal packing. It is even more impressive that Bharat did this after being caught wrong footed during initial movements.

https://vimeo.com/391194691

KS Bharat has been touted as second best wicket-keeper in the country behind Wriddhiman Saha. He looks technically quite sound and confident while keeping. He was recently called up by Indian team management as backup during the home series against Australia.

I genuinely think KS Bharat is a high class wicket keeper. Haven't seen someone stand up to spinners and deal with bounce that well in recent times.

— Raghavendra (@Avizagitewrites) February 13, 2020

Gujarat in command against Andhra
Andhra Pradesh won the toss and elected to bat first but that turned out to be critical decision for them as Gujarat bowlers ripped through the batting lineup on a spicy pitch. Visitors bowled out for modest 177 and in reply, Gujarat were 354/6 at the end of second day’s play.

For Gujarat, openers Samit Gohel and Priyank Panchal started off steadily with half century stand. But both fell shortly afterwards at the team score of 51. Later in the day, Chirag Gandhi and Axar Patel were clinical and guided the hosts towards the first innings lead. For visitors, Shoaib Khan was the only shining light with 3 wickets.