India achieved 288 for 2 after 73 overs on the opening day of the first Test match against Sri Lanka at Galle on August 15, 2026. Devdutt Padikkal scored his first century to mark his Test debut series. The 26-year-old Karnataka batsman remained unbroken on 131 off 178 balls, ending an extended wait for India at number three. The last Indian to score a century from that position in a Test match was Shubman Gill in September 2024.
India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak responded by praising Devdutt Padikkal performance and the young hitter’s effort at the crease.
“I am so happy for him,” Kotak said, highlighting how Devdutt Padikkal style was refined for Test cricket conditions following a great deal of effort. He was eager for this chance, and his performance was really motivating.
He was honing both his back foot game and his first movement while I was at the NCA. We attempt to practise stepping out, sweeping or backfoot games when we anticipate a turn. “He deserves a lot of credit,” Kotak stated, as reported by The Hindu.
Assessing new hitters’ adaptability
Kotak assessed India’s middle order as a whole, as several rookies are fighting for consistent spots. He emphasised that a player’s application and versatility are more crucial than their specific batting position within the team.
“He batted effectively; Sai (Sudarshan) has also performed well at that number. However, they are all inexperienced batters. In a sense, we are adaptable. I would mostly focus on how they bat, how they adjust to different situations, and how they handle the various phases. I’m more interested in how they bat than in how many runs they hit,” Kotak remarked.
Pitch conditions and India’s position
The Galle surface presented special opportunities and challenges as the Test match progressed. Kotak said that India’s first-day total represented a solid foundation, despite the fact that conditions were expected to radically change as the match went on.
“We thot the wicket was on the drier side when we first viewed it. It is undoubtedly on the drier side. Although 288 for two is encouraging, we still have a long way to go. It will spin more as the game goes on, but I don’t think it will crack. The total record indicates that the average return of the hitters significantly decreases as the game goes on (at Galle), according to Kotak.
Even tho KL Rahul had to retire after tea due to severe cramping, his experience and versatility helped India’s innings. “In Tests he opens, in limited overs cricket he comes in at five or six,” Kotak said, acknowledging the veteran batter’s role in building relationships and setting an example for the team’s younger players. He is adaptable in this sense, and having a seasoned player like him on a young team is always beneficial. He is dependable, accepts accountability, and forms alliances,” Kotak remarked.
The run-out between Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul illustrated the communication issues that can arise in competitive Test cricket. Kotak openly explained the facts around the dismissal, acknowledging that these kinds of occurrences are a part of the game: “It is just that KL stopped halfway.” Jaiswal stood up and took a single stride. And for that reason, the miscommunication most likely occurred. However, these things do occur, and it is regrettable,” Kotak stated.
