'Used his opportunity': India coach praises Devdutt Padikkal after historic maiden Test century vs Sri Lanka at Galle originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. KEY TAKEAWAYS:
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak praised Devdutt Padikkal's maiden Test century vs Sri Lanka in Galle. Kotak said the left-hander had used his opportunity after waiting for a chance. Padikkal scored the hundred at number three against Sri Lanka on Day 1.
India coach praises Devdutt Padikkal after historic maiden Test century vs Sri Lanka at Galle When India came to bat first during the first Test match against Sri Lanka at Galle, many people were unsure of how the Men in Blue would perform. Skipper Shubman Gill was recovering from an injury sustained during the practice match last week, while Sai Sudarshan was ruled out earlier due to injury. Instead of the GT star, it was RCB batter Devdutt Padikkal who came to open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, and over two partnerships took India to a sizeable total of 288/2 on Day 1. In the process, he also scored his maiden Test century in a blistering manner, anchoring the Indian innings. So good was his performance that India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has heaped praise on him after the left-hander marked his return to the Test side. The coach highlighted how the youngster had seized his moment after a long wait. His composed hundred on the crucial number three spot steadied India and staked a strong claim to a position the team has long struggled to settle. It was a significant moment for the 25-year-old, who had last featured in the Test side against Australia in November 2024. Having bided his time and worked on his game behind the scenes, Padikkal delivered when the opportunity finally arrived. MORE: KL Rahul injury update: India opener leaves pitch retired hurt after Tea Sitanshu Kotak hails Devdutt Padikkal's maiden Test century Kotak was delighted for Padikkal, noting how the batter's patience and preparation had paid off. He pointed to the work the left-hander had put in even during their time together away from the international setup. "I am happy for Devdutt Padikkal. He was waiting for his opportunity, and he has used his opportunity," Kotak said. The batting coach continued, "Preparation overall, the way he was preparing, even when I was at the NCA. We got some good time at nets to prepare here." Kotak also explained what he was looking for from India's new-ball batters in these testing subcontinental conditions. He stressed the importance of adaptability against a spin-heavy Sri Lankan attack. "They all are new ball batters. Sai and Devdutt. Mainly I would look at how they are adapting to conditions and how they are dealing with situations. How they bat at different phases. I am happy about it," Kotak added. MORE: 'Devdutt Padikkal is God sent': India star hailed for dominating SL spinners Why does Padikkal's hundred ease a long-standing worry for India? The number three position has been India's most stubborn problem since Cheteshwar Pujara played the last of his 103 Tests in 2023. With him gone after the 2023 WTC Final, India has tried a succession of names and discarded them in the three years since. Pujara's ability to bat time and blunt the new ball was never adequately replaced, and Padikkal's assured hundred offers the first real sign that the role may finally be in dependable hands. What makes the innings even more compelling is the context around it. Padikkal came in with Sai Sudharsan ruled out, and KL Rahul later hobbled by cramps. Yet he never looked hurried against Prabath Jayasuriya and the Sri Lankan spinners. If India resists their habit of reshuffling the order at the first setback, this could be the innings that finally ends their search at first drop.
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