Three Sri Lankan Stars Who Could Seal Gautam Gambhir's Fate
The islanders have the firepower to upset India and put the head coach under serious pressure.
Sri Lanka have announced a 15-man squad for the opening Test of their two-match series against India, set to begin at Galle on August 15. The hosts were swept 3-0 the last time they welcomed India for a Test series in 2017, but this time they are banking on a few individuals to turn the tide under Dhananjaya de Silva's captaincy. Despite a host of injury setbacks, there are at least three players who possess the ability to trouble the visitors and potentially make life miserable for India's newly-appointed head coach, Gautam Gambhir.
One of those match-winners is Nishan Madushka, the wicketkeeper-batter who has been in fine form. He struck unbeaten knocks of 63 and 66 in a recent warm-up game against India, showing his familiarity with the conditions. Madushka's Test record on home soil is particularly impressive, with 386 runs in eight innings at an average of 55.14, a marked improvement over his overall career average of 29.61. His ability to anchor the innings and build partnerships makes him a key threat.
If Sri Lanka can produce a spirited performance and push India close, or even secure an unlikely whitewash, Gambhir's position could quickly come under scrutiny. The pressure is on both sides, but the hosts have the talent to script a memorable outcome.