NEW DELHI: India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak credited Devdutt Padikkal’s preparation and improved back-foot game after the left-hander produced a composed unbeaten 131 to put India in a strong position on the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka. Padikkal, batting at No. 3, brought up his maiden international hundred as India reached 288 for two at stumps.Padikkal’s innings was built around calculated shot selection and an ability to adapt to Sri Lanka’s spin-heavy attack. Kotak said the 26-year-old had specifically worked on his back-foot game during his preparations at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, while also developing his options against turning deliveries.“I am so happy for him because he was actually waiting for his opportunity. The way he played here and in the warm-up match, it’s really encouraging,” Kotak said at the post-day press conference.
Back-foot game key to Padikkal’s success
Kotak explained that Padikkal’s preparation had focused on developing multiple ways of putting pressure on spinners, particularly when the pitch offered turn. The batter’s ability to move back and create room, combined with occasional use of the sweep and charge down the track, allowed him to keep Sri Lanka’s bowlers from settling into a rhythm.“Preparation, I would say, overall the way Devdutt, was preparing and I saw it in the NCA (BCCI CoE)…he was working on his back foot game. We try that when we expect a turn from a pitch.“We also tried to work on step-out, sweep besides the back foot game. So, a lot of credit goes to him, the way he has prepared himself for the last couple of years,” he added.Padikkal’s innings reflected that preparation. He was predominantly comfortable playing off the back foot but was also willing to step out when he needed to dominate the spinners.
No. 3 debate remains open
Padikkal’s century could also add another dimension to India’s selection decisions once regular No. 3 Sai Sudharsan returns from his toe injury. Kotak, however, suggested the team is less concerned about rigid batting positions and more focused on how players adapt to match situations.“I think Devdutt batted really well. So Sai also has been batting really well at that number. But the thing is they all are new ball batsmen. So they open, they go number three, so, we are very flexible.“But I would look at the way they bat, how they are adapting to conditions, how they are dealing with the different stages of a match, and that is very important for me rather than number three or four or five,” he added.
Sri Lanka also impressed by Padikkal
Padikkal’s performance drew praise from Sri Lanka’s spin and fielding coach Jordan Gregory, who felt the Indian batter and KL Rahul had successfully put pressure back on the hosts. Rahul also made a significant contribution before retiring hurt.“I think firstly, credit to Padikkal. I think that he batted superbly today and so did KL. Unfortunate for him to get injured,” Gregory said.Gregory also praised debutant off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha for the way he handled the challenge of bowling against India’s batters.“It’s very encouraging to see that Kesh on his debut had asked a lot of questions and created a lot of opportunities.“So credit to him. I could imagine there may have been a couple of nerves from his side. But I’m very proud of him and the way he bowled on his debut,” he added.
