Sri Lanka batsman, 3rd Test, Day 5
Image Courtesy: Twitter

The Sri Lankan team faced a set back before the start of the first ODI on Sunday in Dharamsala as their inform middle order batsman Dhananjaya De Silva has been ruled out of the first ODI. De Silva who rescued the Lankans to salvage a draw in the third Test in Delhi, scored a match-saving ton before retiring due to cramps. No specific reason has been revealed for the ouster yet.

Dhananjaya De Silva
Image Courtesy: Twitter

De Silva was instrumental in saving pride for the Lankan lions in the third Test as he scored a patient 119 runs in 219 balls which included 15 fours and two sixes. The Sri Lankan team displayed courage in the Test series after being humiliated at home by the same opposition. The Lankans are hopeful of playing in the same manner in upcoming limited overs series and Dhananjaya being ruled out of the first ODI has given the Sri Lankan management something to worry about.

Sri Lanka batsman, 3rd Test, Day 5
Image Courtesy: Twitter

However, Sri Lanka will be led by all-rounder Thisara Perera as Dinesh Chandimal has been dropped and has flown back home. The Sri Lankan team will also be strengthened by the addition ODI specialists Upul Tharanga, Danushka Gunathilaka and Kusal Perera. Gunathilaka’s innings in the Champions Trophy against India was instrumental for the Islanders. Niroshan Dickwella looked in fine touch in the Test series and had given the Lankans some quick runs.

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India Vs Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Predicted XI, Dharamsala, First ODI, Thisara Perera
Sri Lanka would face a tough task against formidable India. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

The India and Sri Lanka met in a bilateral ODI series in August in Sri Lanka where the tourists won 5-0 and whitewashed the hosts.

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