Rohit, Kohli To Be Dismissed By Same Bowler; IND vs SL 1st ODI Player Battles

Virat Kohli with Rohit Sharma [X]

On Friday, India will cross swords against Sri Lanka in the first ODI of the upcoming three-match series at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. 

Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India recently whitewashed the Lankans in the T20Is. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli returning, the visitors' lineup look absolutely formidable heading to the ODIs. 

On the other hand, after suffering a humiliating series defeat, Sri Lanka would be desperate to turn things around in the 50-over format. 

Meanwhile, there are several on-field contests that could decide the game's outcome. So, as both teams gear up for a fascinating clash, let's analyse and find out the five player battles to watch out for. 

Rohit Sharma vs Dilshan Madushanka

Indian captain Rohit Sharma will play his first international match after leading India to their second T20 World Cup title in the Caribbean. 

Known for his hard-hitting skills, Rohit could be initially troubled by ace Lankan speedster Dilshan Madushanka, who has got him twice in 13 balls in ODIs. 

Rohit Sharma vs Dilshan Madushanka (in ODIs)

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Kusal Mendis vs Mohammed Siraj

Kusal Mendis has a terrible record vs Siraj [X]

Experienced opener Kusal Mendis might play a significant role for Sri Lanka, as he is in scintillating form of late. 

India's premier pacer Mohammed Siraj could emerge as his nemesis, as he has got him four times in only 29 balls in ODIs. 

Kusal Mendis vs Mohammed Siraj (ODIs)

Virat Kohli vs Dilshan Madushanka 

Just like Rohit Sharma, legendary cricketer Virat Kohli also makes his comeback into the national side after India's triumphant T20 World Cup campaign. 

The talismanic batter has also been challenged by Madushanka in the past, with the left-arm pacer getting him twice in 27 deliveries in white-ball cricket. 

Virat Kohli vs Dilshan Madushanka (in white-ball cricket)

Charith Asalanka vs Kuldeep Yadav

Charith Asalanka, who was recently named Sri Lanka's captain in white-ball cricket, is hailed for his glorious stroke-play. 

The explosive southpaw might find it tricky to face Kuldeep Yadav, as the spinner has asked him tough questions in the past. 

Charith Asalanka vs Kuldeep Yadav (in ODIs)

Shivam Dube vs Wanindu Hasaranga

Swashbuckling cricketer Shivam Dube will play as India's premier seam-bowling allrounder in the absence of Hardik Pandya. 

He has a stellar record against Sri Lanka's wily spinner Wanindu Hasaranga and is expected to dominate him in the first ODI. 

Shivam Dube vs Wanindu Hasaranga (in white-ball cricket)

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