‘We have ticked almost all the boxes’ – KL Rahul on India’s victory vs Sri Lanka

India secured a 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test at Galle, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The win came after five days of cricket in which India maintained their dominance throughout. The result marked India’s 600th Test match, a milestone achieved during the contest.

KL Rahul, who scored 82 in India’s first innings of 462, reflected on the team’s performance following the match. Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal had constructed a 162-run partnership off 273 balls, with the latter going on to score 167 in his third Test match. The opening batter highlighted the significance of the victory in the context of India’s recent struggles against spin bowling.

“We have ticked almost all the boxes during its 165-run win over Sri Lanka in the first Test here, and said the match has enhanced their confidence of playing in spin-dominated conditions ahead of some stern assignments,” Rahul said in the post-match press conference.

India had entered the series against Sri Lanka after suffering defeats at the hands of spinners from New Zealand and South Africa during home assignments. The performance at Galle demonstrated a marked improvement in their ability to handle challenging spin-heavy conditions.

“So just understanding batting against spin and playing in spinning conditions is something that we’ve all been working on. So from that point of view, it gives us a lot of happiness,” Rahul said.

Preparation and mindset

Preparation and mindset formed the cornerstone of India’s approach to the series. Rahul emphasised the importance of arriving at a Test venue with thorough groundwork completed, regardless of whether the assignment lay in India or abroad. His focus on pre-series preparation reflected a deliberate strategy to adapt to unfamiliar conditions.

“I think even before the series, how well prepared you are gives you the best chance to do well in any condition, whether it’s in India or outside,” Rahul said.

Rahul elaborated on the mental and physical dimensions of his preparation routine. Over recent years, he had invested considerable effort into understanding the specific demands of each Test assignment before arrival. This approach encompassed both mental conditioning and practical batting work tailored to the expected conditions.

“I think most of the work is how I’ve prepared before coming into a Test series and that’s something in the last few years I think I’ve paid a lot of attention to.Whether it’s mental make-up or whether it’s doing the physical hours and whether it’s batting, preparing in a way where the conditions will be suitable to where I’m going.” Rahul said.

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Padikkal’s century proved decisive in shaping India’s path to victory. The Karnataka batter’s aggressive yet composed approach had set the tone for India’s first innings, and his partnership with Rahul had provided the foundation for a substantial total. Rahul acknowledged the impact of his state-mate’s contribution to the team’s success.

“The tempo that he batted with and to go on and get a big 100 in the first innings really set up the game for us. The conditions were really hot and it was challenging physically as well,” Rahul said of Padikkal’s performance.

The 167-run knock ended a long wait for India at the number three position, with Shubman Gill having been the last Indian to score a Test century from that spot in September 2024.