Fear of KL Rahul getting injured? India coach gives important update after injury retires batsman on day one of Galle Test

Indian Rahul (PTI Photo/Shailendra Bhojak)

KL Rahul’s condition after retiring injured on the opening day of India’s first Test against Sri Lanka is not a major concern, with batting coach Sitanshu Kotak saying the senior batsman is “fine now” after suffering from cramps.A patient Rahul scored 77 off 162 balls before leaving the field during the final session. He formed a crucial 150-run partnership with Devdutt Padikkal, which helped India dominate the competition.“Kuala Lumpur did really well, he had cramps everywhere. OK now,” Kotak told reporters after today’s match.

Padikkal shines in Test return

The highlight of India’s batting effort was Padikkal’s unbeaten 131, his maiden international century. Returning to Test cricket after his last match against Australia in Perth in 2024, the Karnataka pacer looked confident and composed throughout his innings.Kotak lauded the work done by Padikkal over the last two years and also highlighted the progress made by Sai Sudharsen.“Credit to Devdutt Padikkal for the preparation and hard work in the last two years. Both he and Sai are batting well. They are new batsmen,” he added.Padikkal reached his hundred off 134 balls and hit a variety of shots against Sri Lanka’s pace and spin attack. He was particularly effective against left-arm spinner Prabhat Jayasuriya, using sweeps, punches and attacking shots to keep the bowlers under pressure.“[To me] “It matters how they bat at different phases,” Kotak said, stressing the importance of adapting to changing conditions during an innings.

India ended the day in leadership

India finished the day on 288 for 2, with Padikkal unbeaten on 131 and Rishabh Pant on 27. Shubman Gill made a valuable contribution before he was dismissed by Jayasuriya.Rahul’s departure has been the only worry for India, although Kotak’s update should ease concerns about the batsman’s condition. Padikkal also suffered from dehydration late on the wet day but continued his innings.With India firmly in control after the opening day, attention will now turn to whether Rahul is ready to return and how Padikkal and Pant build on the strong platform.