Sri Lankan players to watch out – with the West Indies series abandoned, the BCCI announced that neighbours Sri Lanka will be playing a 5-match ODI series against the current World Champions, India.
With the West Indies series abandoned, the BCCI announced that neighbours Sri Lanka will be playing a 5-match ODI series against the current World Champions, India.
However, Indians have decided to rest skipper MS Dhoni and in his absence, Virat Kohli will lead the young side against the formidable Lankans.
However, Angelo Mathews has stated that his side is underprepared for the current series. The Sri Lankan skipper himself admitted that his boys did not have an ideal training for the upcoming tour of India as they were focussed on fitness and not skills during a break.
More woes for Sri Lanka is that their ace bowler Lasith Malinga and spinner Rangana Herath are not travelling and thus the bowling department looks the weak zone. But come what may, the T20 champions are looking forward to the contest and the following five players might be the ‘gamechangers’ for the side.
Kumara Sangakkara
Former Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara, retired from T20s, is now the key member of this Sri Lankan side. ‘Sanga’ was the skipper when India triumphed in the 2011 World Cup and the wicket-keeper batsman will be looking to avenge the defeat at the hands of the Men In Blue.
Mahela Jayawardene
Another Sri Lankan stalwart in the side is none other than Mahela Jayawardene. After hanging up the boots from Tests and T20s, Mahela is fully focused on the ODIs and especially the World Cup campaign. More so, the former skipper has a wealth of experience playing on Indian conditions, courtesy of the Indian Premier League and that might help the Lankans in countering the Indian attack.
Angelo Mathews
Sri Lankan skipper Angelo Mathews led his side to a series victory over Pakistan and England recently that could boost the team’s chances. The all-rounder has a wealth of experience and provides stability in the Sri Lankan middle-order. Ranked number.2 in the ICC Rankings for all-rounders, Angelo Mathews will be counting on his skills to ward of the opponent threat.
Nuwan Kulasekara
With over 168 wickets in 157 games, Nuwan Kulasekara will be spearheading Lankan’s bowling attack in the absence of Lasith Malinga. Also known to be quite handy with the bat, Kulasekara is effective in the death overs and also the powerplays.
Thisara Perera
With loads of IPL experience, all-rounder Thisara Perera can land the killer blow onto the Indians as the former has the capability to single-handedly change the. A dangerous player with the bat, Perera is a power hitter in the lower order and with his medium-pace, can turn the game upside down.
