Padikkal’s maiden Test century rewards back-foot work

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Devdutt Padikkal struck an unbeaten 131 at No. 3 as India reached 288 for two at stumps on the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka. India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak credited the left-hander’s preparation and improved back-foot game for his maiden international hundred.

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Padikkal adapted his shot selection to Sri Lanka’s spin-heavy attack, using the depth of the crease while also stepping out or sweeping when the situation required it. The 26-year-old had worked on those options during his preparation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.

Preparation against spin shaped Padikkal’s innings

Padikkal’s work on the back-foot game gave him several ways to disrupt Sri Lanka’s spinners on a surface expected to offer turn. Kotak said the batter had also practised advancing down the pitch and playing the sweep.

“A lot of credit goes to him, the way he has prepared himself for the last couple of years,” Kotak said, according to the original report.

Kotak also pointed to Padikkal’s performance in the warm-up match and said the batter had been waiting for an opportunity. Padikkal’s unbeaten century then strengthened India’s position by the close of play.

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India’s No. 3 decision remains flexible

Padikkal’s century gives India another option at No. 3, although Kotak did not frame the innings as a settled selection decision. Sai Sudharsan, who has also batted in that position, was unavailable because of a toe injury.

Kotak said Padikkal and Sudharsan were both accustomed to facing the new ball and could move between opening and No. 3. The batting coach said adaptability to conditions and different stages of a match mattered more than assigning a rigid position at No. 3, No. 4 or No. 5.

Sri Lanka acknowledge pressure from India’s batters

Sri Lanka spin and fielding coach Jordan Gregory praised Padikkal and KL Rahul for putting pressure back on the home attack. Rahul made a significant contribution before retiring hurt, although the source report did not specify the nature of his injury.

Gregory also backed debutant off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha after his first day in Test cricket. The Sri Lanka coach said Nuwantha asked questions of India’s batters and created opportunities despite the challenge of bowling on debut.