5 reasons why Sri Lanka can pose a threat to India

Rangana Herath- The champion spinner

Age is just a number. Take the example of Misbah-Ul-Haq, Younis Khan for Pakistan or Sri Lanka’s very own war horse, Rangana Herath. He became the oldest spinner at the age of 39 years to enter the 400 wicket club. He achieved that in 84 test matches which also is a remarkable feat.

Without doubt, he is Sri Lanka’s trump card. He rattled Pakistan with a total tally of 16 wickets in the series recently leading to a series win for Sri Lanka. India were able to completely nuetralise Rangana Herath’s threat in the series played in Sri Lanka recently.

They found ways to play him out without much fuss, and they were also helped by some lackluster bowling from the others who completely let the momentum shift in India’s favor.

Herath has expressed desire to win a test match in India. So this would add to him wanting him to do well and contribute much better than his previous outing against India where on spin friendly conditions he managed to pick up only 5 wickets in two tests.

Without a doubt, the pitches in India will suit someone like Herath, especially in the second innings when the pitch crumbles a lot. But to pose a threat to this Indian batting line up which bats very deep, Herath alone can’t win games for his team.

The other bowlers will also have to be on their best form, constantly apply pressure on the Indian batters. If Sri Lanka can replicate what they did recently in the UAE where as a bowling unit - they were good and persistent - then India will be challenged.