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Wanindu Hasaranga, renowned as Sri Lanka’s key spinner and a competent all-rounder, faced a challenging T20I series against India, struggling to make an impact in both bowling and batting departments. Across the first two games, he managed only two wickets, falling short of his usual standards as a match-winner for his team.
In addition to his modest wicket tally, Hasaranga endured a tough outing with the ball, conceding 34 runs in just two overs against India. His second over was particularly punishing, with Hardik Pandya dispatching him for 16 runs, including two boundaries and a six, adding to the mounting pressure on the Sri Lankan side.
Hasaranga’s batting performance mirrored his bowling struggles. Dismissed for a golden duck while attempting a slog sweep in the second T20I, he failed to contribute significantly as Sri Lanka faced critical must-win scenarios. His team, already under pressure after collapsing from a promising 80/2 to a disappointing total of 169 all out, found themselves unable to capitalize on strong starts in both matches.
Overall, Sri Lanka’s batting lineup faltered under pressure across consecutive games, losing crucial wickets in quick succession: 9 for 30 in the first T20I and 7 for 31 in the second, despite promising starts from the top-order batsmen. Hasaranga’s typically reliable all-round skills were conspicuously absent during the series, highlighting the team’s collective struggle to perform under competitive conditions.
Former Pakistan cricketers criticize Wanindu Hasaranga’s performance against India.
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal criticized Wanindu Hasaranga’s performance in the second T20I, suggesting that Hasaranga appeared lacking in seriousness despite the series being crucial for Sri Lanka.
“You’ve been the captain and are a match-winner. But look how he’s batted and bowled. His attitude doesn’t look serious on the field. We have seen him give everything in LPL and IPL. You need to have the same commitment while playing for your nation as well” he said.
Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali took a swipe at Hasaranga, suggesting that he believes he has transcended the essence of cricket itself.
“Number one all-rounder, Wanindu Hasaranga. I think he has become bigger than cricket. Cricket is small, he is big. He got out on the first ball by playing a poor shot. With the ball, he was taken to the cleaners by Suryakumar Yadav and Yashasvi Jaiswal” Basit Ali said on his YouTube channel.
Sri Lanka find themselves trailing 0-2 in the three-match series against India, facing the looming threat of a potential series whitewash. Their current performance underscores why they currently occupy the eighth position in the ICC T20I rankings, with teams like Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Ireland, and Zimbabwe positioned below them.
Despite recent setbacks against India, Wanindu Hasaranga holds the distinction of being ranked as the number one all-rounder in T20Is and occupies the third spot among top T20I bowlers. However, his leadership tenure as Sri Lanka’s T20I captain concluded on a disappointing note, with the team failing to secure a single victory in the T20 World Cup 2024, leading to his decision to step down from the role.
