IND vs SL Test Day 1: The way Padikkal played was really encouraging, says Kotak

Hopping across the Palk Strait, Devdutt Padikkal has found his groove. In the warm-up fixture in Colombo, he cracked an unbeaten 142, and once he moved to Sri Lanka’s southern coast, a splendid maiden Test hundred was essayed. “I am so happy for him. He was waiting for this opportunity and the way he played was really encouraging,” India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said.

Talking to the media after the conclusion of the first Test’s opening day in Galle on Saturday (August 16, 2026), Kotak offered his appraisal of Padikkal: “When I was at the NCA, he was working on his initial movement; he also worked on his back foot game. When we expect there will be turn, we try and work on stepping-out, sweep or back-foot game. A lot of credit goes to him.”

Asked specifically if Padikkal’s ton has erased India’s worries over the number three slot, Kotak said: “He batted well; Sai (Sudarshan) too has batted well at that number. But the thing is, they are all new batters. We are flexible in a way. Mainly, I would look at the way they bat, about how they are adapting to conditions, how they are dealing with the different stages. How they bat is important to me more than the number they bat at.”

Kotak termed the pitch as dry and explained: “When we saw the wicket, we felt that it is on the drier side. And there is no doubt that it is on the drier side. 288 for two is a good sign for us but it is just one day and we have a long way to go. I don’t think it will crack but I think it will spin more as the game progresses. The overall record shows that as the game progresses (at Galle), the average return of the batters goes down noticeably.”

K.L. Rahul’s adaptability was also lauded and Kotak said: “In Tests he opens, in limited overs cricket he comes in at five or six. He is flexible that way and in a young team when a senior like him plays well, it always helps. He takes responsibility, builds partnerships and is consistent.”

And as for Yashasvi Jaiswal’s run out, Kotak clarified: “It is just that KL stopped halfway. Jaiswal got up and took one step. And that’s why probably that misunderstanding happened. But these things happen and it is unfortunate.”