Kolkata : India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak believes the team gained more from its warm-up match against Sri Lanka than it could have from several additional days of conventional training, as the visitors completed a six-wicket win ahead of the Test series.
Team India wrapped up its only practice fixture before the two-match series with a successful 207-run chase, giving players from both departments valuable match time ahead of the opening Test in Galle from August 15.
Kotak was particularly impressed by the intensity on display, saying the competitive nature of the fixture made it more valuable than routine practice sessions.
Speaking in a video shared by the BCCI on X, Kotak said: “I think it was very good, very productive because if we practice four more days, I don’t think it will be as good as the practice match because the bowlers bowled with good intensity. I think the batters batted well and we actually tried that everyone, even bowlers, get to bat and all the bowlers get enough loading what is required.”
India’s batting unit had plenty of positives, with Devdutt Padikkal producing the standout performance. He remained unbeaten on 142 off 164 balls as India declared their first innings at 357/6 in response to Sri Lanka XI’s 363/8 declared.
Kotak singled out Padikkal while also praising the contribution of India’s fast bowlers on a pitch that offered little assistance.
“I think Devdutt batted really well, the way Gurnoor also bowled, and our fast bowlers put a lot of effort on the wicket where there was nothing. All the pacers put in a lot of effort. I think it was all in all a very good practice match. But for me, Devdutt’s innings was also really good,” he said.
