Devdutt Padikkal’s Knock Delights Sitanshu Kotak After Long Wait
On the first day of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle on August 15, 2026, India scored 288 for 2 after 73 overs, with Devdutt Padikkal scoring his first century in his Test debut.
The 26-year-old Karnataka batsman ended India’s long wait at number three by remaining undefeated on 131 from 178 balls. In September 2024, Shubman Gill became the last Indian to score a century from that position in a Test match.
Kotak praised Devdutt Padikkal for developing his Test cricket skills thru continuous effort. He had waited for this opportunity, and the way he played was quite encouraging. When I was at the NCA, he was focusing on his initial movement and back foot technique.
When we expect a turn, we practise stepping-out, sweep, or back-foot game. “A lot of credit goes to him,” Kotak added, as reported by The Hindu.
In response, India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak lauded Devdutt Padikkalv performance and the young hitter’s effort at the crease.
Assessing the adaptability of new hitters
Kotak examined India’s middle order as a whole, where a number of young hitters are competing for regular positions. He emphasised that a player’s adaptability and application are more significant than their specific batting position on the team.
“He batted well, and so did Sai (Sudarshan) at that number. But they’re all new batters. We are flexible in some ways. Specifically, I’d look at how they bat, how they adapt to conditions, and how they deal with the various stages. “I care more about how they bat than how many times they bat,” Kotak remarked.
Pitch conditions and India’s stance
As the Test match progressed, the Galle pitch presented distinct opportunities and challenges. Although conditions were expected to change dramatically as the match went, Kotak emphasised that India’s first-day total provided a solid platform.
“When we saw the wicket, we thot it was on the drier side. There is little doubt that it is drier. 288 for two is a positive indication for us, but it’s only one day and we still have a long way to go. I don’t think it will crack, but I believe it will spin faster as the game proceeds. The total data suggests that as the game unfolds (at Galle), the average return of the batters decreases significantly,” Kotak said.
India’s innings benefited from KL Rahul’s experience and adaptability, even tho he had to leave due to severe cramps after tea. Kotak recognised the senior batter’s role in creating alliances and setting an example for the team’s younger players.
“In Tests, he opens, and in limited overs cricket, he comes in at five or six.” He is adaptable in this sense, and having a senior player like him play effectively on a young team is always beneficial. “He takes responsibility, forms partnerships, and is consistent,” Kotak stated.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul’s runout highlighted the communication issues that can arise during competitive Test cricket. Kotak explained the reasons around the dismissal, stating that such occurrences are expected in the game. Jaiswal got up and took a step. That’s presumably why the misunderstanding occurred. But these things happen, which is awful,” Kotak stated.
