India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has pointed to the hard work done by batter Devdutt Padikkal, who returned to the side after a big gap and scored his maiden century in the first Test against Sri Lanka here on Saturday.
In the last few Tests, they have played Sai Sudarshan in that position while Padikkal got the opportunity in Galle. “Fast bowlers’ deliveries were not coming that much. In the second spell, after the rain, when fast bowlers bowled, it started swinging, and the ball was going through. So, at different phases, how they bat, that is very important for me rather than batting position — No.
Having opted to bat first after winning the toss in their 600th Test, India were given a fluent start by their opening pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal (32) and vice-captain KL Rahul, who retired hurt on 77 in the final session due to cramps. But left-handed Padikkal looked the part to get a big score – using the crease well and showcasing great footwork, as well as running hard for his ones and twos- to hit 131 not out off 178 balls, laced with 12 fours and a six. Since 2021, India have experimented with batters at the No.3 slot in the batting line-up. 3 or 4 or 5.
So, I am pretty happy about that,” he said.
