There was a clear strategy behind Devdutt Padikkal’s outstanding performance in Galle. His unbeaten maiden international century was not simply the product of good timing and patience; it was the result of months of targeted preparation aimed at handling spin-friendly conditions.
Back in India’s Test team after almost two years, Padikkal struck an unbeaten 131 on the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka. Along with KL Rahul’s 77, his innings helped India reach 288/2 in 73 overs on a rain-affected day.
The 26-year-old’s century was especially notable given the conditions and the threat posed by Sri Lanka’s spinners. After play, India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak revealed that Padikkal had specifically prepared for such conditions.
“I am so happy for him because he was actually waiting for his opportunity,” Kotak said, while highlighting the batter’s work 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 TURNS PREPARATION INTO PERFORMANCE
Padikkal’s innings reflected exactly the areas Kotak had highlighted. He frequently used the depth of his crease, stepped forward when necessary and brought out the sweep to prevent Sri Lanka’s spinners from settling into a rhythm.
His approach against Prabath Jayasuriya was particularly effective. Padikkal advanced down the pitch against the left-arm spinner and sent one over long-on for six, making it clear that he was willing to attack whenever the opportunity arose.
The sweep was another key part of his innings. Padikkal scored close to 40 runs with sweep shots, underlining how specifically he had developed that option for turning conditions.
He had also impressed during the warm-up game before the Test, providing the team management with further evidence that his preparation was translating into performances.
FROM WAITING FOR AN OPPORTUNITY TO SEIZING IT
Padikkal returned to the playing XI after Sai Sudharsan was ruled out with a toe injury. Instead of treating the opening as a temporary opportunity, he made the most of his return in emphatic fashion.
Kotak also suggested that India are less concerned with rigid batting positions and place greater importance on a player's ability to adapt to different conditions and situations. That could prove significant once Sudharsan becomes available again.
“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 credited Padikkal and Rahul for putting the hosts under pressure.
“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.
Padikkal’s work, however, is not finished. With India already in a commanding position, he will have an opportunity to turn his century into an even bigger score, potentially reaching 200. He has already added 52 runs with Rishabh Pant, and the pair will look to extend that partnership when play resumes.
