Sri Lanka series - India win 2-1

I had expected India to edge Sri Lanka in the series despite knowing that it has been 22 years since an Indian team won a test series there. What transpired was something else - It could have been a whitewash if not for the upset loss in first test. Virat Kohli has won his first series as captain but equal (dis)credit should be given to Sri Lanka's relative lack of experience.

The Indians have had a long introduction to test match scenario in tough conditions outside sub-continent. This experience has hardened them enough to score over their Asian colleagues. The core team has been identified and it looks like the team will continue to look like this for the next 2 years, injuries notwithstanding:

• Opening Batsmen - Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul
• Middle-Order - Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma
• Wicket-keepers - Wriddhiman Saha, Naman Ojha
• All-rounders - Ravi Ashwin, Amit Mishra, Stuart Binny
• Pace bowlers - Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Varun Aaron, Mohd. Shami

17 players who will appear in forthcoming test series for India is a good composition to have and a good set of choices to opt from. Credit should be given to MS Dhoni and team management for identifying this set and ensuring that the chances obtained so far have been used to groom them further.

Whether the Indian team should go with five-bowler policy is a debate but I feel in subcontinent pitches, the fifth bowler will mostly be underutilized. Stuart Binny did his role well but should contribute consistently. It is not that the future looks rosy but the initial investment in these players should be well worth it, if the players repay the interest well.