Kusal Mendis

One of those abundant batsman-keeper combos, Kusal Mendis is a promising prospect for Sri Lanka in the post Sangakkara-Jayawardene era. He shot to prominence with his Schoolboy of the Year award in 2013 and in the following season, the national selectors awarded the captaincy of the under-19s for the 2014 World Cup. His Test cap followed soon after in the home series against the West Indies.

He stamped his presence in the international scene with a stunning century against Australia at Pallekele making him the youngest to do so. It was a single handed knock to rescue Sri Lanka from the doldrums after having conceded a first-innings lead to get them back into the contest and eventually pave the way towards a clean sweep.

The tri-series in Zimbabwe saw him notch up impressive performances with the bat in the coloured clothing format as well. With two half-centuries helping his side bag the title, he was adjudged the Man of the Series as well. He translated the form into the whites against Bangladesh at home with a stunning 194 and followed it up in the ODIs to come with a maiden ton.

Having invested heavily in the youngster, Sri Lanka have already started reaping some dividends. Just 22, Mendis' ability goes beyond his years. A naturally aggressive batsman, Mendis has a pleasing range of strokes and the maturity to go with it. He was a shining light in an otherwise damp Sri Lankan performance in the 2017 edition of the Champions Trophy. Back home, he got starts against Zimbabwe, but failed to convert them into something substantial.

However, Mendis proved his class in the Test series against India, belting a stunning hundred in the second Test against India - which further enhanced his class and adaptability as a batsman. Sri Lanka are a team in transition and they need players like Mendis to step up if they are to get back to the golden era.