GALLE: Devdutt Padikkal’s patient grind and technical recalibration behind the scenes bore rich dividends on Saturday, as the left-hander compiled an unbeaten 131 to anchor India to a commanding 288 for two on the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka.
Batting at No. 3 in place of the injured Sai Sudharsan, Padikkal showed remarkable composure and sharpness against spin. India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, credited the 26-year-old’s systematic preparation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (formerly NCA) for the breakthrough knock.
Kotak highlighted that Padikkal had spent considerable time refining his depth in the crease alongside developing scoring options against slow bowling.
“I am so happy for him because he was waiting for his opportunity,” Kotak said during the post-day press briefing. “Overall, the way Devdutt was preparing—I saw it at the Centre of Excellence where he worked extensively on his back-foot play, which becomes crucial when expecting turn. We also worked on stepping out and sweeping. A lot of credit goes to him for how he has prepared himself over the last couple of years.”
Those technical adjustments were on full display at the Galle International Stadium. Padikkal used his reach to sweep effectively—accumulating nearly 40 runs from the stroke alone—and looked untroubled when stepping down the track, notably lofting left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya over long-on for six.
India were also bolstered by vice-captain KL Rahul, who compiled a fluent 77 before being forced off the field late in the day due to severe cramping. Kotak allayed concerns over Rahul’s availability, confirming that the batter is expected to resume his innings on Day 2.
“KL showed great application today, and his versatility across formats and batting positions continues to be a huge asset for the team,” Kotak noted.
With the surface expected to deteriorate and offer sharper turn to the spinners as the match wears on, India will look to capitalize on their strong foundation and post a massive first-innings total on Sunday.
