Pujara compares Dinusha to Sangakkara and Jayawardene after series brilliance

Sonal Dinusha finished the India versus Sri Lanka two-match Test series as the highest run-scorer, accumulating 420 runs across four innings at an average of 140. The Sri Lankan batter struck three centuries and one unbeaten hundred, demonstrating consistent excellence throughout the series. His performances included 100 and 84 in Galle, followed by 103 in Colombo’s first innings and an unbeaten 133 in the second innings.

Cheteshwar Pujara offered his assessment of Dinusha’s series, drawing comparisons to two of Sri Lanka’s greatest batters. Pujara highlighted the quality and consistency of Dinusha’s batting across all four innings.

“The way he has batted throughout the series has been phenomenal. He takes me into that era of batters like Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. When I was growing up, I used to look up to those Sri Lankan players,” Pujara said on Cricinfo.

“In 5-10 years, Sonal Dinusha can be one of the greats of Sri Lankan cricket. He has shown that potential. The way he batted on the last day of the second Test match, it was a commendable effort,” he added.

Dinusha’s place among Sri Lankan Test batters

Dinusha’s achievement in the series placed him in rare company among Sri Lankan cricketers. He became only the third Sri Lankan batter to score three centuries in a two-match Test series, joining Aravinda de Silva and Kumar Sangakkara. This milestone underscores the significance of his performance against a strong Indian bowling attack.

Career statistics and lower-order resistance

Dinusha’s career record in Test cricket reflects his growing stature in international cricket. In five Tests, he has accumulated 606 runs across nine innings at an average of 86.57, with three centuries and two fifties. His best Test score stands at 133 not out. In first-class cricket, he has made 4,118 runs in 70 matches at an average of 48.44, including 14 centuries and 20 fifties, with a best score of 145.

“Credit to Keshara Nuwantha and Lahiru Kumara as well. The partnerships were very crucial. The kind of technique Nuwantha showed was surprising because his first-class record does not suggest that. Especially against the spinners, he was allowing the ball to hit the bat,” Pujara said.