SL vs IND 2026: ‘I am so happy for him’ - Sitanshu Kotak hails Devdutt Padikkal after breakthrough knock

Devdutt Padikkal marked his Test debut series with a maiden century as India reached 288 for 2 after 73 overs on Day 1 of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle on August 15, 2026. The 26-year-old Karnataka batter remained unbeaten on 131 off 178 balls, ending a long wait for India at the number 3 position. Shubman Gill was the last Indian to score a Test century from that position in September 2024.

India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak responded with immediate praise for Padikkal's performance and the manner in which the young batter applied himself at the crease. Kotak highlighted the preparation work that had gone into developing Padikkal's technique for Test cricket conditions.

"I am so happy for him. He was waiting for this opportunity and the way he played was really encouraging. 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," Kotak said as quoted by The Hindu.

Assessing new batters and their adaptability

Kotak assessed the broader picture of India's middle order, where several new batters are competing for regular spots. He emphasised that adaptability and application matter more than the specific batting position a player occupies in the team's structure.

"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 said.

Pitch conditions and India's position

The Galle pitch presented particular challenges and opportunities as the Test match progressed. Kotak noted that India's first-day total represented a solid foundation, though conditions were expected to change significantly as the match wore on.

"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," Kotak said.

KL Rahul's experience and flexibility proved valuable to India's innings, though he retired hurt due to severe cramps after tea. Kotak recognised the senior batter's role in building partnerships and setting the tone for younger players in the team.

"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," Kotak said.

A run-out involving Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul highlighted the communication challenges that can arise during intense Test cricket. Kotak explained the circumstances of the dismissal with candour, acknowledging that such moments are part of the game.

"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," Kotak said.