The pair added a vital 150-run partnership in the first innings of Galle Test.
India batter Devdutt Padikkal expressed joy about batting with state-mate KL Rahul in the ongoing first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle International Stadium.
The southpaw emphasized that they share good chemistry from playing together for Karnataka and understand each other's pace and style. This strong bond helps them build long partnerships and push their team's score higher.
Notably, the pair added a vital 150-run partnership in the first innings of Galle Test and another 59-run partnership in the second essay.
Padikkal stepped into the playing XI and grabbed his opportunity at one-drop after Sai Sudharsan was ruled out of the Sri Lanka tour with a toe injury. While the left-hander slammed his maiden Test ton (167) in the first innings, he played a vital knock of 44 in the second dig. On the other hand, Rahul returned with scores of 82 and 35 at the top of the order.
"Batting with KL, I think it's always been enjoyable. I think I have played quite a few innings with him now, even with Karnataka as well. We have had some long partnerships. I think we play well with each other. I think he understands the way I bat, the tempo in which I bat and I do the same as well," Padikkal told reporters after the close of play on Day 4 in Galle.
"So when you have that kind of chemistry, I think it helps in stitching that partnership and really pushing the limits as to how far we can go. I think that's something that he helps me with," he added.
Coming to the match, Sri Lanka were 84/4 in their second innings at stumps on Day 4, chasing a target of 372 runs. The hosts require 288 more runs to win on the final day, with India needing six wickets to secure victory.
After racking up 462 in their first innings, India bundled out Sri Lanka for 284, gaining a substantial 178-run lead. The lead could have been much bigger as the tourists had reduced Sri Lanka to 90/5 at one stage. However, the home team staged a fightback, thanks to a 146-run stand between Niroshan Dickwella (80) and Sonal Dinusha (100).
In their second innings, India were bowled out for 193 runs. Combined with their massive first-innings lead, they set Sri Lanka a daunting target to win the series opener.