The India-Sri Lanka series is about to begin and both the teams will be looking to win and end the series on a high. There are a few players from both teams who can make a big difference. We look at five players to watch out for in this series:
Kusal Mendis:
The young Sri Lankan is one player who is in good form having hit 66 in his last innings versus the Zimbabweans. He also has scored 679 runs in the last 7 innings with 2 centuries and 2 half centuries to his name.
Mendis is well known to the Indian team having smashed them around in the Champions Trophy back in June. India will be vary and look to keep him quiet.
KL Rahul:
Back in his element once again, Rahul will look to smash runs once again after a four month injury out of the game. He is a sound batsman with excellent technique and temperament and will not give the Lankans any breathing space.
Rahul has played well in Sri Lanka before and is desperate to cement his spot back at the top of the Indian Test team.
Cheteshwar Pujara:
The top order batsman is a classy proposition and his wicket will surely be a prized one for the Lankans. Once he gets settled, chances of his dismissal are extremely less. Pujara is back playing international cricket after a long while and will be raring to go.
He is also a great fielder to have close to the stumps and will look to get a few quick ones against th Lankans.
Rangana Herath:
The stocky spinner is one player who knows the conditions all too well. Since Sri Lanka were lacking a spinner since Mendis’ fall from form, Herath seems to have stepped up to take up the mantle as their lead spinner.
Herath has an intimidating record at home and India will need to play him carefully if they want to win the series.
Umesh Yadav:
India’s silent consistent performer, Yadav can turn up the game in an instant if he’s in the mood. If conditions suit his style, Yadav can make the ball move around and pick up wickets at regular intervals.
Bowling with Bhuvneshwar and Ishant will help Yadav and if he can get going, India can pick up some crucial wickets in the first few overs itself.
