There was a method behind Devdutt Padikkal’s mastery in Galle. The left-hander did not simply rely on timing or patience to produce his maiden international hundred; he put into practice months of specific preparation designed to tackle spin-friendly conditions.
Returning to India’s Test side after nearly two years, Padikkal produced an unbeaten 131 on the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka. His innings, combined with KL Rahul’s 77, helped India finish a rain-interrupted day on 288/2 after 73 overs .
The 26-year-old’s hundred was particularly significant given the conditions and the challenge posed by Sri Lanka’s spinners. But India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak revealed after play that Padikkal had been preparing specifically for precisely this challenge.
“I am so happy for him because he was actually waiting for his opportunity,” Kotak said, praising the batter’s preparation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
“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.” PADIKKAL PUTS PREPARATION INTO PRACTICE
Padikkal’s innings was almost a demonstration of Kotak’s words. Rather than allowing Sri Lanka’s spinners to dictate terms, he used his depth in the crease, moved forward when required and regularly employed the sweep to disrupt their lines.
His approach was especially effective against Prabath Jayasuriya. Padikkal stepped down the track to the left-arm spinner and launched him over long-on for six, showing that he was prepared to attack whenever an opportunity presented itself.
The sweep was another major weapon. Padikkal scored nearly 40 runs through sweeps during his innings, showing how deliberately he had built his game for turning conditions.
His century also came after he had already made an impression in the warm-up game, giving the team management further evidence that his preparation was translating into runs. FROM WAITING FOR A CHANCE TO MAKING IT COUNT
Padikkal’s opportunity came because Sai Sudharsan was unavailable with a toe injury. Rather than treating his return as merely a temporary opening, he seized it emphatically.
Kotak also played down the significance of rigid batting positions, suggesting that India value adaptability more than whether a player bats at No.3, 4 or 5 . That flexibility could become important when Sudharsan returns.
“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,” Kotak said.
Sri Lanka’s spin and fielding coach Jordan Gregory also acknowledged Padikkal’s impact, praising him and Rahul for taking the game to Sri Lanka.
"I think firstly, credit to Padikkal. I think that he batted superbly today and so did KL. Unfortunate for him to get injured," said Gregory.
Padikkal’s job, however, is far from over. With India already in a strong position, the left-hander will look to kick on and perhaps even convert his century into a double hundred. He has already added 52 runs with Rishabh Pant, and the duo will be eager to build on the partnership. - Ends
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