Wanindu Hasaranga, Sri Lanka’s star bowler and an all-rounder, had a forgettable T20I series against India. He has not been among the wickets and runs in the first two games, taking just two wickets in the series so far.
He has picked up just two wickets with the ball so far. He was also out for a duck off the first ball in the second T20I against India. With Sri Lanka facing a must-win situation in the second T20I, Hasaranga’s performance was not up to his match-winning standards.
After being dismissed for a golden duck attempting a difficult sweep, Wanindu Hasaranga was taken for 34 runs in his two overs as he proved costly against India.
Hardik Pandya took a special liking to him. Hasarsanga scored 16 runs in his first over and 18 in his second over, while misery piled on Hasaranga. Pandya hit two fours and a six off him in his second over.
Sri Lanka put in a woeful performance with both bat and ball and Hasaranga’s all-round credentials failed to shine through. With Sri Lanka already 140/5 when Hasaranga came out to bat, the shot he attempted was questionable. Sri Lanka slumped from 80/2 to 169.
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The batting line-up crumbled under pressure on consecutive days. They lost nine for 30 in the first T20I and 7 for 31 in the second T20I. However, in both games, the top order had given them a good start.
Former Pakistan cricketers criticise Wanindu Hasaranga’s performance against India
Former Pakistan batsman and wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal has criticised Wanindu Hasaranga for the way he batted and bowled in the second T20I. Akmal said he did not look serious on the field with the series on the line for Sri Lanka.
“You have been the captain and you are a match-winning player, but look at the way he bats and bowls. His attitude doesn’t seem serious on the field. We have seen him give his all in the LPL and IPL. You have to have the same commitment when you play for your country,” he said.
Former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali also criticised Hasaranga and said he believes he has become bigger than the game of cricket.
“The most versatile player, Wanindu Hasaranga. I think he has become bigger than cricket. Cricket is small, he is big. He got out on the first ball with a bad shot. With the ball, Suryakumar Yadav and Yashasvi Jaiswal made him look foolish,” Basit Ali said on his YouTube channel.
Sri Lanka is already 0-2 down in the three-match series and is at risk of losing to India. The team’s overall performance is a reflection of why they are in the eighth spot in the ICC T20I rankings. Teams like Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Ireland and Zimbabwe are below them.
Interestingly, despite his recent failures against India, Wanindu Hasaranga is the most accomplished all-rounder in T20Is and number three in the list of best T20I bowlers.
He recently stepped down as Sri Lanka’s T20I captain following his team’s elimination in the league stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup. The team remained winless under his leadership in the tournament.
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