KUSAL MENDIS

RHB, Wicket-keeper

A promising stroke-maker fast-tracked into the Test side after little more than a dozen first-class innings, Mendis made an impression when he became the second-youngest player to make a 150-plus score against Australia with his 176 in Pallekele. He was hailed as the successor to Mahela Jayawardene, but a lean stretch saw him dropped for a tour of India in late 2017, to no small controversy. Mendis made his way back into the team in 2018, announcing his return with a near-double century against Bangladesh.