India registered a dominant 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test of the two-match series in Galle on Wednesday. Chasing a target of 372, Sri Lanka were comprehensively outplayed by spinner Manav Suthar, who claimed a 10-wicket match haul and played a pivotal role in bowling the hosts out for 206. Apart from Suthar, Devdutt Padikkal, Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul also made significant contributions to India’s emphatic win. Speaking after the match, Rahul highlighted the positive culture within the Indian dressing room and praised the team’s ability to step up in challenging situations.
“I think it’s every player’s responsibility to help another player out whether you’re older or someone who’s just 26 but played 20 Tests it’s everybody’s responsibility to help your fellow teammates. “Even when we had players who played 60-70 Test matches and I only played 20 or 30 Test matches there was no shame or egos in players to say I can’t learn something from you or to say he’s played so many Test matches so I can’t go and talk to him. He also revealed that the Indian dressing room remains an open environment where players are encouraged to communicate and share their views freely.
Rahul said during the post-match press conference. Rahul said seniority is not a hindrance to continue the learning process. As the senior-most player in the side, Rahul expressed his delight at seeing young talents make an immediate impact and establish themselves at the highest level. So it’s always been an open dressing room and people are learning from each other. “I might learn a thing or two from a newer player. Now, I speak to Jaiswal about sweeping and reverse sweeping and what he thinks and he’ll share his thoughts. But their mindset is slightly different to mine and mine might be slightly different to someone else. So, it’s just what has always happened, not just in this change room,” he added.
