India completed a six-wicket victory in the practice match at NCC Ground in Colombo on Sunday.
The visitors completed a six-wicket victory in the practice match at NCC Ground in Colombo on Sunday (August 9), giving players valuable match time ahead of the two-Test series against Sri Lanka.
Following the win, Kotak claimed that the game provided superior intensity, ideal bowling workloads, and proper match practice compared to routine net simulations.
“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,” Kotak said in a video shared by the BCCI on social media.
India were chasing a target of 207 runs in 45 overs in their final innings. While Mohammed Siraj's explosive cameo of 32* off 15 balls stole the show on the final day, several other Indian players enjoyed valuable match practice.
In the first innings, Devdutt Padikkal produced a brilliant hundred (142*) to strengthen his case for the No. 3 spot while Ravindra Jadeja scored 63 before retiring out. Gurnoor Brar’s unbeaten 36 off 18 balls propelled India to 357/6 (declared) in their first innings in response to Sri Lanka XI's 363/8 (declared).
In the second innings, Yashasvi Jaiswal (61) and Shubman Gill (44) stitched together a solid 105-run partnership to get the tourists off to a strong start.
India’s spin trio of Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar and Jadeja claimed two wickets apiece in Sri Lanka’s first innings, while Gurnoor Brar and Jadeja bagged a couple of scalps each in the second essay.
Kotak praised Padikkal for his century and commended the fast bowlers for their hard work 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 stated.
Kotak also commented on the unexpected power-hitting from India's lower order, specifically mentioning Gurnoor and Siraj. “It's been very good. I would say Gurnoor and Siraj hitting sixes, three to four-four sixes,” he remarked.
The two-match Test series is slated to get underway on August 15 at Galle International Stadium.