Top Three Performers of the Series - India vs Sri Lanka

1) Virat Kolhi came into the tournament back of a poor IPL. But everyone expected him to return to International cricket with class. He return to International cricket with a usual hundred of his, tearing apart the Sri Lankan Bowlers in 1st ODI which gave the signal what on show for the rest of the Series. His style and class was on show throughout the series. He continued his marry way against Lasith Malinga and it had significant effect on Sri Lankan bowling attack.
He was the highest run scorer in the series with 296 runs at an average of 74 and strike rate of 87.83. He scored 2 match winning hundreds and he was awarded the man of the series for his wonderful contribution with the bat. Importantly Kolhi continued to show he has the ability not just to score runs but also win matches with them. In the 4th ODI he along with Raina chase down the target in empathetic manner in 42nd over after in trouble loosing 4 wickets in 20 overs. 


2) Irfan Pathan was named in the squad due to the injury for Vinay Kumar and it made a blessing for the Indian team as he made 2 crucial contribution with the bat along with bowling well and picking up wickets. He was the joint highest wicket taker of the series with 8 wickets at an average of 26.37 and econ of 5.27. His 5 wicket haul in the final match had a significant effect on overall bowling stats in the series, but he did bowl well with new ball and got the ball to swing and trouble the Sri Lankan top order. His depth bowling wasn't eye raising and needed significant improvement. He played the first 3 ODIs at no 7 in the batting line up and that was a heartening factor for India specially when they play out of the subcontinent. Indians would hope he continued to perform well as an all-rounder specially regarding their plans of next world cup as it would be played in Australia and Indians tactic of going with extra batsman in those conditions wouldn't be wise. 


3) Lahiru Thirimanne could be a surprise inclusion for this list, but his calmness in the last match and way he increased his tempo in the latter stages of his innings was impressive. He played four matches in the series and batted at different positioned in the batting order and was dropped from the side for the 3rd ODI for the balance of the Sri Lankan team and would have been unfair and difficult to him as he had batted once in the two games played and in that occasion he got out trying to increase the run rate coming at no 7. He was then picked in the side for the 4th ODI in-place of injured Sangakkara and he fill the unexpectedly well. He scored steady 47 in the 4th ODI and in 5th ODI he played with lot of maturity even when wicket fell around him asking rate increased to 7 an over. He shown his power hitting 3 sixes in 2 overs and gave Sri Lanka a big chance to win the match before he was unfortunately run out for 77. He deserve a mention in the series as he grab his chance with both hands where other youngsters failed to grab their chances for both the teams.