3 Sri Lankan Players Who Could Be Big Threats To India In ODI Series

Pathum Nissanka will be a key player for SL [X]Pathum Nissanka will be a key player for SL [X]

On Friday, Sri Lanka will be up against India in the first ODI of the three-match series at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Led by Charith Asalanka, the Lankan side incurred a heavy whitewash in the recently concluded T20I series. 

After losing the first T20I by 43 runs, the hosts incurred two consecutive defeats to concede the series by three-nil. 

So, moving on to the ODIs, Sri Lanka would be keen to outclass their South-Asian rivals and get a winning start to the series. 

Coming to Sri Lanka's lineup, they have several players who might cause a headache for the Indians. 

So, as both teams gear up for the ODI series, let's see who could be Sri Lanka's players to watch out for in the series. 


3 SL players who could be big threats to IND in ODIs

Pathum Nissanka

Sri Lanka's premier opener Pathum Nissanka has enjoyed stellar success in ODIs this year, amassing 497 runs at an average of 99.40 and a blistering strike rate of 122.41. 

After hammering his career-best score against Afghanistan, Nissanka struck two scintillating tons in his next five ODI innings. 

Recently, he was impressive in the recently held T20I series, scoring 137 runs at an average of 45.67 and a strike rate of 138.38. So, given his red-hot form, Nissanka could be Sri Lanka's go-to man at the top order. 


Wanindu Hasaranga

Wanindu Hasaranga [X]Wanindu Hasaranga [X]

The spin-bowling allrounder has plenty of experience in white-ball cricket. Since making his debut, Hasaranga has established himself as an outright match-winner in both ODIs and T20Is. 

Besides bamboozling the Indian batters with his guile and variations, Hasaranga can contribute crucial runs lower down the order. 

So, given his incredible all-round attributes, we expect Hasaranga to play a pivotal role in the India ODIs. 


Charith Asalanka

Recently, Sri Lanka brought a significant change to their leadership group, appointing Charith Asalanka as their white-ball captain following Hasaranga's resignation. 

The swashbuckling southpaw is known for his ability to perform under pressure. He has bailed Sri Lanka out of trouble multiple times in ODIs and hence could give a tough time to the Indian bowlers, particularly in the middle overs. 

Apart from these players, the eyes will also be on Sadeera Samarawickrama, who has performed consistently in ODIs of late.