5 battles to watch out for in the India-Sri Lanka Test series

The World No.1 Test side India is set to commence its long campaign in Sri Lanka with the first Test at Galle. In the present context of international forms of the 2 teams, it seems to be more in the favor of India as they have been on a winning streak for 7 consecutive Test series and are sitting pretty on the top of the ICC rankings. Whereas Sri Lanka looks a depleted side as they recently lost an ODI series 3-2 to Zimbabwe at home. Although they managed to win the one-off Test against the African nation, they were stretched to the fullest by the opposition. Even though they look down but they certainly can’t be written off. The last time India toured Sri Lanka, the latter managed to pull off a stunning victory in the first Test at the same venue that will host the inaugural match of the 2017 series. However, India made an astounding comeback and ended up winning the series 3-2. If we dig down into the squads of the 2 sides, India look stronger yet there are certain rivalries within the rivalry that promise to make the series an intriguing one. Here are 5 player battles to watch out for #1 Virat Kohli v Rangana Herath (Photo Source: Getty Images) Well, this one is quite obvious. The best batsman of India against the best bowler of Sri Lanka, also the marshals of the 2 sides against each other. The last time these 2 stalwarts went head to head in 2015, Virat Kohli won the battle hands down. In the 6 innings, Rangana Herath could get the Indian captain out only once and hence the left-arm spinner would be itching to dominate this time around. A lot would rest on Kohli’s shoulder for India’s chances in the series. He would love to stamp the authority on the opposition as the leader of the No.1 side in the world but he will have to counter one of the best present spinners in the game who is also ranked second in the ICC Test bowlers’ rankings. #2 Angelo Mathews v Ravichandran Ashwin (Photo Source: Getty Images) After the Kohli-Herath battle, the tables turn when we look at the rivalry of Angelo Mathews and Ravichandran Ashwin; Sri Lanka’s best batsman versus India’s best bowler. In the last Test series between the 2 sides, Mathews was the leading run-scorer with 339 runs and Ashwin bagged the most number of wickets with 21 scalps to his credit. In the absence of Dinesh Chandimal, Mathews will have his work cut out as the most experienced batsman in the side. Ashwin, on the other hand, has been picking wickets at a rate of knots and has been the most prolific wicket-taker for India in the past couple of years. But the Man of the Series from the 2015 series could dismiss Mathews just once. Hence, it’s a mouth-watering contest to see who emerges on top this year. #3 Niroshan Dickwella v Ravindra Jadeja (Photo Source: Getty Images) The No.1 Test bowler in the world – Ravindra Jadeja has proved to be an asset for India when it comes to bowling in the longest format of the game. He can bowl for as long as the captain wants him to and gives very little away to the batsmen. The left-arm spinner becomes even more lethal when the pitch has something on offer for the spinners, the kind of surfaces that are most likely to be present in Sri Lanka. On the other hand, a Sri Lankan batsman that has caught the eyes recently is Niroshan Dickwella. He played wonderful knocks against Zimbabwe in the ODI series and also played a crucial part in the Test victory. He brings his attacking instincts in Test cricket as well and him being a left-handed batsman, it will be interesting to see how Jadeja counters him. #4 Cheteshwar Pujara v Dilruwan Perera (Photo Source: Getty Images) Talk about Test match batting and Cheteshwar Pujara’s name is right up there amongst the best in the world. The right-hander brings assurance with his presence at the crease and has been a heavy run-getter for India in the last couple of years. His supreme batting technique is apt for the longest format of the game but there is a little weakness against off-breaks that has exposed him at times. Nathan Lyon troubled him on occasions earlier this year when Australia toured India. That’s where Dilwuran Perera will fancy his chances. He has done a decent job for Sri Lanka in a short career, picking up 79 wickets in just 17 Tests. Pujara will look to dig deep once more but he will have to overcome the off spin of Perera. #5 Ajinkya Rahane v Suranga Lakmal (Photo Source: Getty Images) India’s No.5 was struggling for form in the last 2 Test series but his astonishing show in the ODI series in the Caribbean will give him immense confidence for Sri Lanka’s tour. Despite the dip in form, he remained a key figure in the batting line-up and once again, he will be one of the players to watch out for. But in the recent Test series, he has been troubled by the pacers with the short balls. The right-hander got out on a number of occasions trying to hook the ball. Sri Lanka’s pace spearhead Suranga Lakmal must have kept a keen eye on Rahane’s weakness and would certainly to pepper him with a few bouncers. He possesses pace and has the ability to ruffle the feathers of the batsmen.

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5 battles to watch out for in the India-Sri Lanka Test series

India look stronger yet there are certain rivalries within the rivalry that promise to make the series an intriguing one

#4 Cheteshwar Pujara v Dilruwan Perera

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