Former Sri Lankan all-rounder Farveez Maharoof has identified veteran batter Dinesh Chandimal as the key player for the hosts in the upcoming two-Test series against India, starting August 15 in Galle. Speaking as an expert panelist for Sony Sports Network, Maharoof emphasized that consistency will be the deciding factor if Sri Lanka are to beat India for the first time since 2008.

Maharoof pointed out that Sri Lanka have finished seventh, fifth, and sixth in previous WTC cycles, and this home series presents their best opportunity to turn things around. He stressed that the top order needs to show more fight and grit, especially after soft dismissals in the Antigua Test against West Indies.

Chandimal, who scored an unbeaten 162 against India in Galle in 2015, has a stellar record against the visitors: 750 runs in eight Tests at an average of 50, including two centuries and three fifties. "He is the most experienced player and the former captain. The onus will be on him," Maharoof said. He recalled Chandimal's century against Ashwin and Mishra, adding that the batter's concentration and ability to handle humidity will be tested.

Maharoof believes this is captain Dhananjaya de Silva's best chance to enter the record books by beating India. With India currently fifth in the WTC standings and Sri Lanka sixth, the series carries massive weight. Chandimal, batting at No.3, will be the anchor around whom Sri Lanka's batting revolves.