Galle, Aug. 19 -- India vice-captain KL Rahul lavished praise on youngsters Devdutt Padikkal and Manav Suthar after their impressive contributions in India's 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test, crediting the country's India A system for preparing the duo to make an immediate impact at the highest level.

Speaking at the post-match press conference at the Galle International Stadium, Rahul described Padikkal's 167 in the first innings as the defining performance of the Test, while highlighting Suthar's ability to trouble batters through subtle changes in pace, angle and trajectory.

"I think that innings was the defining part of this Test match," Rahul said of Padikkal's century, as per Cricinfo. "The way he batted, the tempo...