India is all set to take on the Sri Lanka in the semis of the ICC Champions Trophy 2013. With the mind-boggling form of Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Indian batting is looking quite strong and it’s going to be battle with in a battle when these batting hulks goes against Lasith Malinga and Nuwan Kulaskera, who have been picking up wickets at regular intervals for Lankans. But Captain Cool, MS Dhoni, has his trumpcard in Ravindra Jadeja, who has been the best bowler amongst the two teams.  

Here we bring to you the players to watch out for in the match between India and Sri Lanka.

Shikhar Dhawan: Dhawan has played couple of swashbuckling innings in the Champions Trophy which led the Indian team to the victory. His ability to pace the innings as per his wishes, makes him the most dangerous opener of this tournament. Being a leading run-scorer, he would be looking to play one more match-inning knock to lead his side to the finals.

Tilakaratne Dilshan: Dilshan has always taken a good start but his defence has been breached almost all the time. He had scored some runs in the warm-up game against India and would be looking to attack the likes of Umesh Yadav and Ishant Sharma who have not been as effective as Bhuvneshwar Kumar. His bowling skills will come in handy on the wicket that might assist spinner, especially if sun comes out.

MS Dhoni: Dhoni’s captaincy will be under the scanner in this match, especially on how he uses his bowlers at the death which is India’s main concern. He hasn’t got much chance to showcase his batting skills, but has all the ability to deflate the pace attack led by Lasith malinga and Nuwan Kulasekara.
 

Kumar Sangakkara: Sangakkara was absolutely brilliant against the likes of James Anderson and Stuart Broad in the league game. But his inconsistency with the bat can hardly be ignored and he won’t get a better stage than this to showcase his master class batting. He is going to be crucial player alongside Jayawardene who can take away the match in just a matter of few overs.

Ravindra Jadeja: Jadeja has been the most successful bowler for India as he had picked up nine wickets with an economy of just 3.95 which makes him the trumpcard for Dhoni. His ability to nag the wickets in mid-overs makes him the most dangerous bowler of Indian team. Apart from his bowling, his batting skills can make a great deal of difference when it comes to giving the liusty blows in the death overs.

Lasith Malinga: Malinga is big match player and can make a great deal of difference with his toe-crushing yorkers. His ability to pick up wickets makes him the strike bowler for his team. He needs some good support from Kulaskera, which will ease out the burden from his shoulder.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar: Bhuvneshwar has been very much consistent with his line and length which makes him a tough bowler, especially with the new balls from both the ends. His ability to bowl his quota of overs at trot makes him much more dangerous as the pressure is being maintained from the one end.

Mahela Jayawardene: Jayawardene has played couple of fantastic knocks so far and has all the ability to turn the course of the match. His sharpness in the slips and suggestions in crunch situations also makes him a cornerstone of the Lankan team. His presence in the field along with Sangakkara adds immense strength to his side.

Virat Kohli: Kohli has always cherished playing against the Lankans as he has scored five centuries against them. He hardly cares about the likes of Malinga and Dilshan and plays on his strength, which is to keep on attacking. He has played some decent innings so far. If he comes out with some aggressive intent, it can move India an inch closer to the title.

Nuwan Kulasekara: Kulasekara has added loads of strength to the Lankan outfit with his brilliant performances in last couple of matches. His brilliant century against England, which was followed by a three wicket haul against Australia, makes him the most fruitful player for his side. If he keeps showing his all-round dexterity, then it’s going to be an exciting prospect in this clash of the titans.

By Amit Chopra
Indian Sports News Network