Galle, Aug. 15 -- India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak lauded Devdutt Padikkal for making the most of his long-awaited opportunity, hailing his maiden Test century as an encouraging sign of the talent and promise within India's young side.

Padikkal turned an opportunity created by injury into a record-breaking statement on Saturday, smashing his maiden Test century as India seized control of the opening Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

Playing only his third Test and returning to the side after nearly two years, Padikkal remained unbeaten on 131 off 178 balls as India closed a rain-interrupted opening day at 288 for two in 73 overs.

Playing an extremely crucial match in the context of his career, at Galle against Sri Lanka, with the regu...