India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak put any serious injury fears to rest following the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka, confirming that KL Rahul is recovering well after severe cramping forced him off the field. Rahul had laid a solid foundation for the team with a grueling 162-ball 77, anchoring a formidable 150-run alliance alongside Devdutt Padikkal.
Sitanshu Kotak gives big update on KL Rahul's injury
Speaking to the press at stumps, Kotak assured that while Rahul suffered widespread spasms during his prolonged stay at the crease, the senior opener was doing "fine now."
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"KL batted really well, was getting cramps everywhere. fine now," Kotak told media after the Day 1 stumps.
The headline performance of the day belonged to Padikkal, who marked his return to the Test arena with a sublime, unbeaten 131, his first hundred in international cricket. Making his first appearance since the 2024 Perth Test against Australia, the left-hander showed remarkable composure, needing just 134 deliveries to reach his milestone while dismantling both pace and spin. Kotak applauded the young batter's dedication alongside top-order peer Sai Sudharsan, noting that the hard work Padikkal has poured into his game over the last two years was fully on display in his flawless performance.
Devdutt Padikkal breaks SL bowlers' back
Padikkal systematically dismantled Sri Lanka’s chief spin threat, Prabath Jayasuriya, utilizing an array of sweeps, punches, and decisive boundary hits to disrupt the bowler's length. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak highlighted this tactical versatility, emphasizing how crucial it is for younger batters to adapt their tempo through different passages of play as pitch conditions evolve.
Despite both Padikkal and KL Rahul battling extreme humidity, with Padikkal overcoming late dehydration and Rahul leaving the field earlier due to full-body cramps, India finished the opening day in complete control at 288/2. Shubman Gill provided a useful cameo before Jayasuriya breached his defense, leaving Padikkal unbeaten on 131 alongside a settled Rishabh Pant on 27. With Kotak’s reassuring update on Rahul clearing up major injury worries, the visitors enter Day 2 perfectly positioned to turn this massive platform into a match-winning first-innings total.