Nidahas Trophy 2018, Match 1, Sri Lanka vs India: Five players to watch out for

The Nidahas Trophy 2018 is all set to get underway. Hosts Sri Lanka will be taking on the pre-tournament favorites India in the series opener. The tri-series, that also involves Bangladesh as the third side, comes as a good opportunity for the sides to end their cricketing season on a high. However, when seen on a micro scale, the series has different meanings for both the sides.

For the hosts, the series comes as a good chance to seek redemption. Sri Lanka have been drubbed by the Indian team twice across all the three formats of the game in the recent six months. This includes a complete tourwash on the Sri Lankan soil. Hence, the hosts would want to seek revenge and give their fans something to cheer about in the dismal season against their neighbors.

On the other hand, team India will be heading in to the series with a young side. They have rested their senior players and are eyeing the tournament as a good platform to test their bench strength. Coming to the first game, it is needless to concede that the teams would be hoping for individuals to rise to the occasion. Here we pick such players who can be proven match winners on the day.

Here are the five players to watch out for in the first game:

1. Suresh Raina

Veteran Indian cricketer Suresh Raina made a comeback to the Indian team after a lay off of almost a year. He played in all the three T20Is in South Africa and looked decent in his performances. Batting at number three, he will be a key player in the Indian batting order. Also, with no Virat Kohli in the middle-order, Raina will be expected to shoulder more responsibility.

Furthermore, as seen in the third T20I against South Africa, Suresh Raina can be used as a bowling option. He can be a wicket-taker on a given day. With the tracks in Sri Lanka being on the slower side, Raina will fancy his chances in the series with the ball as well.