Sri Lanka’s star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has decided to hang up his boots when it comes to Test cricket. This strategic move is driven by his aspiration to elongate his international journey in the realm of white-ball cricket. The cricketing virtuoso, renowned for his spin-bowling skills and all-round contributions, represented Sri Lanka in a mere four Test matches.
In these games, he showcased his versatility by amassing 196 runs and snaring four crucial wickets. His debut on the Test stage was against South Africa back in December 2020, and his swan song was a battle against Bangladesh at home in April 2021.
It has been reported that he communicated his intention to retire from Test cricket through a formal letter addressed to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). This proposition has been accepted by the cricketing authorities. Wanindu Hasaranga has elucidated that his goal is to extend his impact on the limited-overs formats and to contribute wholeheartedly to his nation’s cause.
In a statement, SLC CEO Ashley De Silva expressed, “We will accept his decision and are confident that Hasaranga will be a vital part of our white-ball program going forward.”
Beyond his international endeavors, Wanindu Hasaranga is presently at the helm of B-Love Kandy in the ongoing Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2023. As the competition intensifies, B-Love Kandy has positioned themselves commendably, occupying the second slot on the LPL 2023 points table following the culmination of the group stage matches.
The team secured victory in four encounters and faced defeat on an equal number of occasions, accumulating a tally of eight points. Although they soared through four consecutive triumphs, Kandy faltered in their most recent two clashes against Colombo Strikers and Dambulla Aura in the group stage.
Hasaranga’s flair in the ongoing T20 tournament has been nothing short of a spectacle. His performances have been a revelation, establishing him as a force to be reckoned with. Currently, he stands as the third-highest wicket-taker, boasting a remarkable collection of 11 wickets. His prowess reflects in his economical bowling, with an average of 15.82 and an economy rate of 5.87. Not confined to just his bowling skills, he has showcased his batting mettle as well. He ranks as the fourth-highest run-scorer, having amassed a total of 212 runs at an average of 35.33 and a strike rate of 200.
Wanindu Hasaranga’s journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 with the Royal Challengers Bangalore was a blend of highs and lows. He encountered challenges as he secured nine wickets from eight games at an average of 28.66, accompanied by an economy rate of 8.89. The batting aspect of his performance did not mirror his usual excellence, as he managed a mere 33 runs at an average of 16.50.
As Hasaranga bids adieu to the Test cricket arena, he forges ahead, showcasing his exceptional skills in the white-ball formats. His presence as the captain of B-Love Kandy in the LPL 2023, combined with his remarkable performance in the T20 arena, illustrates his determination to leave an indelible mark in the world of cricket. The upcoming chapters of his cricketing journey promise to be captivating, as he continues to dazzle on the field with his multifaceted talents.
