Devdutt Padikkal made a significant impact upon his return to the Indian Test side, scoring his first century in the opening match against Sri Lanka on Saturday. India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, praised Padikkal for his dedication and hard work leading up to this performance, highlighting the importance of his contributions to the team after a lengthy absence from the squad.
But left-handed Padikkal looked the part to get a big score – using the crease well and showcasing great footwork, as well as running hard for his ones and twos- to hit 131 not out off 178 balls, laced with 12 fours and a six. Because of bad light on a rain-hit opening day at the Galle International Stadium, playing in Tests for the first time since November 2024, Padikkal scored an unbeaten 134 as India dominated Sri Lanka to reach 288/2 in 73 overs when stumps were called early. Having opted to bat first after winning the toss in their 600th Test, India were given a fluent start by their opening pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal (32) and vice-captain KL Rahul, who retired hurt on 77 in the final session due to cramps.
Kotak Praises Young Talent Following Promising Test Performance
“I’m so happy for him. Because he actually was waiting for this opportunity, and he got an opportunity. So, the way he played in both innings in the warm-up and here (1st Test), it’s really encouraging,” said Kotak during the day-end press conference on Saturday. He expressed optimism about the potential of the young team, noting that the players are eager to seize their chances.
He said he had closely observed Padikkal’s preparations when he was with the team and also when he was at the NCA. So, I wouldn’t say it is just what we prepared,” said Kotak. But I would still give a lot of credit to them for where they have batted,” he said.
“I would say, overall, the way Devdutt, when I was in NCA, also the way he was preparing, he was working on his basics. He was working on his back-foot game. And we try that anyway. We try and work on step-out, sweep, or back-foot game. And I think he has done well. But it’s not just preparation now, I think. A lot of credit goes to him. The way he has prepared himself for the last couple of years. “Yes, we got a very good three-day game and a six-net session to work with them.
India’s batting coach also noted the confidence the team gained from playing the three-day warm-up game before the start of the series.
