In a series that saw as many 33 players from either side feature after Covid-affected the Indian camp, we handpick the team of the Sri Lanka v India T20I series.

Shikhar Dhawan

3 T20Is, 86 runs @ 28.66, SR: 108.86, HS: 46

Dhawan played the senior batsman’s role in the absence of the big players and looked a tad bogged down by the lack of support from the other batters, especially in the final two games. But, he still was the top-scorer in the series from either side.

Minod Bhanuka

3 T20Is, 64 runs @ 21.3, SR: 98.4, HS: 36

The wicketkeeper-batsman holds promise and it came through in the series, although it isn’t blatantly evident from his numbers. The only contender who put up a stiff claim to his place in this XI was Rutuaj Gaikwad, but he just couldn’t get going despite good-looking starts.

Suryakumar Yadav

One innings, 50 runs, SR: 147.05

His one innings in the series all but ascertained his place in the Indian XI for the T20 World Cup later this year. Suryakumar Yadav was also the Player of the Series in the ODIs.

Dhananjaya de Silva

3 T20Is, 72 runs @ 72.0, SR: 112.5, HS: 40*

Dhananjaya de Silva finished as Sri Lanka’s top-scorer in the series, mustering 72 runs while being dismissed just once. He maintained a reasonable strike rate on the sluggish wickets on offer and was the sheet anchor in Sri Lanka’s middle order.

Charith Asalanka

One innings, 44 runs, SR: 169.23

Asalanka smashed 44 in 26 balls on his debut and his only appearance in the series, but unfortunately missed the remainder of the series with an injury.

Dasun Shanaka

3 T20Is, 19 runs @ 9.53

Three wickets @ 12.6, ER: 5.4, Best: 2-20

Dasun Shanaka did not make an impact with the bat in the series, but was decent with the ball, picking up three wickets while conceding runs at a rate of 5.4.

Wanindu Hasaranga

7 wickets @ 9.5, ER: 5.5; 29 runs @ 14.5, Best: 4-9

The Player of the Series, Wanindu Hasaranga was the standout bowler, running through India’s middle-order. Even with his batting abilities not making an appearance, Hasaranga is the first name in this XI.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar

5 wickets @ 10.4, ER: 5.47; 29 runs @ 29.0, Best: 4-22

Bhuvneshwar batted at No.6 in two matches and finished as India’s second-highest run-scorer in the series. His five wickets came at an economy rate of just 5.47.

Yuzvendra Chahal

4-0-19-1 in only game

Chahal bowled a peach of a delivery to get his only wicket in the series and finished his four-over spell in the only match he played at an economy rate of less than five. He edges Kuldeep to this XI even though the left-arm spinner was impressive himself.

Rahul Chahar

4 wickets @ 10.5, ER: 5.25, Best: 3-15

Chahar was India’s standout bowler in the series, picking up four wickets at an economy rate of 5.25 and an average of 10.5. His place in India’s XI when the big guns return is still not assured, but Chahar made a solid case for his inclusion.

Dushmantha Chameera

4 wickets @ 15.75, ER: 5.25, Best: 2-24

Chameera stood out with his pace and bounce and even if he was overshadowed by Hasaranga, had a remarkable series with the ball.

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