SL vs IND second Test | It is time for our all-rounders and lower-order to score: India batting coach Kotak

In his prime, Sitanshu Kotak was a domestic giant. The Saurashtra batter amassed runs and was a steady presence on Indian pitches. Now, as India’s batting coach, Kotak is happy with the way Devdutt Padikkal has shaped up in the current Test series between India and Sri Lanka.

Also read | Padikkal makes a habit of scoring centuries as India touches 300

“His intent, temperament and the pace with which he batted looked good. It is a good sign for us. He has been waiting for his turn and I am happy with the way he has prepared for this opportunity,” Kotak told the media on Sunday.

Asked if Padikkal had sealed the No. 3 slot, Kotak remained diplomatic: “He has done well at No. 3; previously Sai Sudharsan too did well though he did not get hundreds. Both Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan are top-order batters… they can open against the new-ball, too. For now, Padikkal has done well.”

The batting coach, though, would have preferred fewer dismissals: “I would have liked 300 for three or four. Some of the dismissals were soft, set batters losing wickets, but it happens in cricket. Now it is time for our all-rounders and lower-order to score.”

As for the injured Rishabh Pant, Kotak added: “He seems fine and should play.”

Kotak felt that the pitch assisted both pace and spin: “Fast bowlers had a little movement and that was good. We felt that the spin was also good. On day three and four, the pitch will assist spinners a little more.”

The second day’s first one hour would be the key, reckoned Kotak: “You don’t want to lose wickets in the last 15 minutes before the break. Now, the new-ball is there and the first hour would be crucial. If we bat well maybe we could get to the par-score of 400-plus.”