SL vs IND: Sri Lanka’s best playing XI for the ODI series against India

The much-anticipated ODI series between Sri Lanka and India is set to commence on August 2, with the first match scheduled to be played at R. Premadasa Stadium. As both teams boast a formidable blend of youth and experience, this series promises to be a thrilling contest.

Sri Lanka: A new look with a familiar core

Sri Lanka has made a few intriguing changes to their ODI squad for this series. The most notable inclusion is uncapped pacer Mohamed Shiraz and Eshan Malinga, who replace the duo of Dilshan Madushanka and Matheesha Pathirana out of the series due to their injuries. Shiraz’s inclusion is a testament to his impressive domestic performances, and it will be interesting to see how he fares at the international level.

The hosts have also named three players on standby: batter Kusal Perera, seamer Pramod Madushan, and spinner Jeffrey Vandersay. These players will closely monitor the team’s progress and could be called upon if any of the main squad members are injured or fall ill.

Despite the changes, the core of the Sri Lankan batting order remains the same, with the likes of Charith Asalanka, Pathum Nissanka, and Kusal Mendis expected to shoulder the bulk of the run-scoring responsibilities. Wanindu Hasaranga will be crucial with both bat and ball, while Maheesh Theekshana and Akila Dananjaya will provide spin options.

Also READ: Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka ruled out of ODI series against India; replacements announced

Sri Lanka’s top-choice playing XI for the ODI series against India:

1. Pathum Nissanka

• Role: Opening Batter
• Strengths: Solid technique, ability to play long innings, good against both pace and spin
• Weaknesses: Can be slow to score at times, struggles against short-pitched deliveries
• Importance: Key to providing a good start and laying a foundation for the middle-order

2. Kusal Mendis (wk)

• Role: Wicket-keeper Batter
• Strengths: Explosive batting, good against spin, safe hands behind the stumps
• Weaknesses: Can be inconsistent, struggles against moving deliveries
• Importance: Provides firepower in the middle-order and keeps wickets tidy

3. Charith Asalanka (C)

• Role: Middle-Order Batter, Captain
• Strengths: Versatile batting, good against pace and spin, calm under pressure
• Weaknesses: Can be too defensive at times, struggles against short-pitched deliveries
• Importance: Key to anchoring the innings and leading the team from the front

4. Sadeera Samarawickrama

• Role: Middle-Order Batter
• Strengths: Solid technique, good against spin, can accelerate when needed
• Weaknesses: Can be slow to score at times, struggles against short-pitched deliveries
• Importance: Provides stability in the middle-order and can play the anchor role

5. Nishan Madushka

• Role: Middle-Order Batter
• Strengths: Attacking batting, good against pace, can clear the boundaries
• Weaknesses: Can be inconsistent, struggles against spin
• Importance: Provides firepower in the middle-order and can take the game away from the opposition

6. Wanindu Hasaranga

• Role: All-Rounder
• Strengths: Versatile bowling, good against spin, can bat in the lower-order
• Weaknesses: Can be expensive at times, struggles against pace
• Importance: Key to providing balance to the team and taking wickets in the middle-overs

7. Chamika Karunaratne

• Role: All-Rounder
• Strengths: Accurate bowling, good against pace, can bat in the lower-order
• Weaknesses: Can be expensive at times, struggles against spin
• Importance: Provides stability to the bowling attack and can contribute with the bat

8. Dunith Wellalage

• Role: Spin-bowling all-rounder
• Strengths: Accurate bowling, good against spin, can bat in the lower-order
• Weaknesses: Can be expensive at times, struggles against pace
• Importance: Key to providing control in the middle-overs and can contribute with the bat

9. Maheesh Theekshana

• Role: Spin Bowler
• Strengths: Accurate bowling, good against spin, can trouble batsmen with his variations
• Weaknesses: Can be expensive at times, struggles against pace
• Importance: Key to taking wickets in the middle overs and keeping the run rate in check

10. Eshan Malinga

• Role: Fast Bowler
• Strengths: Pace, bounce, ability to take early wickets
• Weaknesses: Can be inconsistent, struggles against spin
• Importance: Key to providing breakthroughs with the new ball and putting pressure on the opposition

11. Mohamed Shiraz

• Role: Fast Bowler
• Strengths: Accuracy, ability to swing the ball, can trouble batsmen with his variations
• Weaknesses: Can be expensive at times, struggles against pace
• Importance: Key to providing control in the middle-overs and keeping the run rate in check

Key Matchups

• Charith Asalanka vs Kuldeep Yadav: Asalanka’s ability to play spin will be tested against the crafty Kuldeep Yadav.
• Virat Kohli vs Maheesh Theekshana: Virat Kohli‘s form against leg-spinners will be crucial for India.
• Mohamed Shiraz vs Rohit Sharma: The uncapped pacer will have his task cut out against the Indian skipper.

Both teams are evenly matched, and the series’ outcome could hinge on several factors, including the conditions, the toss, and the form of key players. While India might have a slight edge on paper, Sri Lanka will be eager to prove their worth on home soil.

Also READ: SL vs IND: India’s best playing XI for the ODI series against Sri Lanka