Rahul retired hurt on 77 during the final session of the day's play.
KL Rahul is “fine now” after suffering severe cramps during the opening day of India’s first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle International Stadium, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed.
Kotak downplayed any major injury concerns, confirming the veteran opener's condition had stabilized after the physical toll of a humid day.
Before leaving the field in the final session, Rahul anchored the innings with a patient 77 off 162 balls. Alongside his Karnataka teammate Devdutt Padikkal, he constructed a pivotal 150-run second-wicket stand that wrested control from Sri Lanka's spin attack.
Padikkal headlined the day with a stellar unbeaten 131, marking his maiden international century upon Test return, as the visitors reached 288/2 at stumps.
“KL batted really well. I think he was getting only cramps. So by the end of the day, he was fine. Probably once you start getting cramps, you get it in the hamstring, you get it in the groin, you get it in your hand,” Kotak told reporters after the day’s play.
“But at the moment he looks absolutely fine. So he should be good to go tomorrow,” he added.
Kotak commended the work Padikkal has put in over the past two years and also highlighted Sai Sudharsan's growth. Notably, Padikkal got the opportunity to bat at No. 3 in this Test match after Sudharsan failed to recover from his toe injury.
“Credit to Devdutt Padikkal for preparing & working hard in last 2 years. Both he, Sai are batting well. They are new ball batter,” he added.
Padikkal notched up the three-figure mark off 134 balls and played an array of strokes against Sri Lanka’s pace and spin attack. He was able to neutralize Sri Lanka’s premier spinner Prabath Jayasuriya, using sweeps, punches and attacking shots to good effect.
“[To me] its important how they bat in different phases,” Kotak said, highlighting the importance of adapting to changing conditions during an innings.
Rishabh Pant (27*) joined Padikkal to guide India comfortably through the remainder of the evening session after skipper Shubman Gill was dismissed by Prabath Jayasuriya for 16. The duo will look to capitalise on their strong position when play resumes on Sunday morning.