Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak hails India's six-wicket warm-up win over Sri Lanka XI as 'very productive'

India's touring party wrapped up their pre-series warm-up fixture against Sri Lanka XI on August 9, completing a six-wicket chase of 207 in 45 overs to head into the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka with confidence. The first Test begins on August 15 at Galle. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak reflected on the match with clear satisfaction.

Sri Lanka XI declared their first innings on a total of 363/8 after having elected to bat first. India replied with 357/6 declared, before Sri Lanka XI set the tourists a target of 207 by declaring their second innings at 200/6. India knocked off the runs with six wickets to spare.

"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 bowlers bowled with good intensity. I think batters batted well and we actually tried that everyone, even bowlers, get to bat and all the bowlers get enough loading what is required," Kotak said, on a video posted by the BCCI, as quoted by the press.

Devdutt Padikkal was the most prominent contributor with the bat. He struck an unbeaten 142 off 164 balls in India's first innings, giving him a long and meaningful hit in Sri Lankan conditions before the Test series begins. Kotak was particularly pleased with Padikkal's knock and also expressed satisfaction that the fast bowlers were able to bowl well on a wicket that offered little help.

"I think Devdutt batted really well, the way Gurnoor [Brar] also bowled, and our fast bowlers put a lot of effort on the wicket where there was nothing. All the pacers put 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," Kotak said.

Captain Shubman Gill, who had injured his right thumb on the eve of the fixture, made a full recovery and returned on the final day of the match. Gill contributed 44 off 54 balls during the second-innings chase, a timely return to form ahead of the Galle opener.

Among the bowlers, Manav Suthar, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav each claimed two wickets in Sri Lanka XI's first innings. The lower order made a lively contribution with the bat during the chase. Mohammed Siraj finished unbeaten on 32 off just 15 balls, hitting four sixes to help close out the target. Kotak noted that Gurnoor had also contributed with the bat in similar fashion.

"It's been very good. I would say Gurnoor and Siraj hitting sixes, three to four-four sixes," Kotak said regarding the batting effort from the tail.

With all departments having had a proper workout, India now move to Galle for the first Test on August 15. The second Test of the series will be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, starting August 23.