Sri Lanka vs India 2017, 2nd Test: India's predicted XI

Middle-order

Kohli got his first century after seven Test innings, at Galle

After successfully clipping off a minor blip in form from his Test resume, Virat Kohli was back amongst the runs in the whites, compiling his 17th Test century in the second innings of the first Test. His captaincy has come a long way from his initial days in 2015, when he first toured with the side here and he reads his players a lot better now.

Ajinkya Rahane played his part in the Galle win, helping India rebuild from a mini middle-order collapse in the first innings with a sedate fifty. His solidity in the middle order augurs well for the team which keep changing on either side of his spot at No. 5.

While there is nothing wrong with Wriddhiman Saha, the keeper, his batting might be putting a few creases on his forehead. After having silenced his critics with a 117 against Australia earlier this year, Saha will have to keep scoring runs to keep the younger contenders at bay.