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Sri Lankans, the underdogs of yore, now are the past world champions. Their evolution period lasted from their debut in test cricket in 1982 to 1992. They transformed rapidly and radically just in 4 years to complete their evolution and win the world cup in 1996. They are considered the most visionary, passionate and progressive team in the world cricket. The rate at which they have added quality and value to the game, is astounding.

In order to achieve excellence at the international level Sri Lankans have taken many bold and fearless steps. They employ best possible staff, trainers, physios and coaches and have equipped their team with state-of-the-art facilities.

According to World Cup winner Aravinda de Silva, “I honestly feel this side have a better chance than we had in 1996. The bowling looks good, the batting has depth and the fielding looks sharp. My money is on Sri Lanka.” Sri Lanka is placed in the group, where they have to meet India, Bangladesh and Bermuda, starting their first match on 15th march against underdogs Bermuda. Though Sri Lanka has lost the recent series against India, but that was without their two star bowlers: Muttiah Muralitharan and Chaminda Vaas.

But now Sri Lanka could be the dark horse of this world cup. They have got a balanced team, excelling in all departments of the game. To add silver sprinkle, all the players have got plenty of experience. Mahela Jayawardene leads the Sri Lanka from the front. He has proved himself time and again. He has got the best defense in the world and his batting technique is flawless. This world cup means a lot to him. He is said to be a natural skipper, especially when he chaffed England 5-0.

Playing his last world cup, Sanath Jayasuriya will not be born anywhere in the world again. He is the man behind all the gruesome rampage Sri Lankans have done all these years. He has literally changed the face and tempo of the game. Where he can play ultra-aggressively, he can also do the left-arm spin bowling very dangerously. His 285 ODI wickets speak for themselves.

Playing also his last world cup, Muttiah Muralitharan, the wizard, the snake-eyed superb performance will be the focus of many. He has taken the unbelievable 1000 wickets in international cricket. He could easily wreck havoc in the mega event.

Sri Lanka has found a star, a gem in the form of Upul Tharanga. In his only 29 matches, he has already scored 6 centuries. Some people reckon that he would be the next Sachin Tendulkar, the world will see. Sri Lanka is banking quite a lot upon his form up the order in the world cup.

Frothiness and bubbliness of Sri Lanka is incomplete without their front line bowlers Chaminda Vaas and Malinga Bandara. Vaas was a key player in 1996 world cup and has been elevated to a place of national hero. Another polished diamond in Sri Lankan team is their all-rounder Farveez Maharoof.

Other Lankan stars in world cup include Dilhara Fernando, Kumar Sangakkara, Marven Atapattu, Russel Arnold, Tilkaratne Dilshan and Chamara Silva. All in all, the Sri Lankans are a treat to watch, with cavalier batting, mesmerizing bowling and mercurial fielding.