India had a productive three-day outing in the warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said on Sunday.
India defeated SLC XI by six wickets, chasing down a 207-run target in the final session of the day three.
According to Kotak, playing a practice game was more productive than training in nets.
“It was very good and productive,” Kotak told BCCI.TV. “Practicing in nets for four more days won’t be as productive as the practice match. Bowlers bowled with good intensity. We actually tried everyone, even bowlers, get to bat. All the bowlers got enough loading that is required. So, it’s been very good.”
All bowlers bowled nearly 18-20 overs, apart from Auqib Nabi who got to bowl just five.
“The way Gurnoor bowled, and our fast bowlers put a lot of effort on the wicket where there was nothing. All in all, it was a very good practice match,” Kotak said.
Apart from Nabi and Prasidh, all the available players also got a chance to bat as well.
In the first innings, Gurnoor Brar hit four sixes coming lower down the order and in the second innings, Mohammed Siraj matched his bowling partner’s sixes count. Kotak said watching the two of them hit sixes was one of his highlights from the game.
Coach also praised Devdutt Padikkal for his unbeaten 143 batting at number three. “I think Devdutt batted really well. For me, Devdutt’s innings was really good.”