Star Sri Lankan Spinner Wanindu Hasaranga Bids Farewell to Test Cricket, Focuses on White-Ball Dominance

In a strategic move that echoes his dedication to excelling in white-ball cricket, Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has officially called time on his Test cricket career. Renowned as one of the finest spinners in the shortest format, Hasaranga’s decision aligns with his flourishing ventures in white-ball cricket, where he shines both on the international stage and in the franchise leagues around the world.

SLC accept Hasaranga’s resignation 

Reports indicate that Hasaranga had communicated his intention to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), expressing his desire to focus exclusively on white-ball cricket while contributing his best to the national team in these formats. The cricketing board has evidently honoured his request, formally marking the end of his Test cricket journey.

A statement from the cricketing authority affirmed their acceptance of his decision, stating, “We will accept his decision and are confident that Hasaranga will be a vital part of our white-ball program going forward.” 

A rather unimpressive Test record 

Hasaranga’s statistics in Test cricket pale in comparison to his impressive achievements in white-ball formats. His Test debut against South Africa in 2020 marked the beginning of his Test journey, where he participated in four matches, the last of which was against Bangladesh in 2021. Across these appearances, he secured four wickets with an average of 100.75. In contrast, his remarkable performance in 44 first-class matches since 2016 saw him clinch 102 wickets.

However, it is Hasaranga’s white-ball prowess that has truly set him apart. His rise culminated in him achieving the top spot as the No. 1-ranked T20I bowler after an exceptional performance during the T20 World Cup in 2022. Even now, he remains Sri Lanka’s highest-ranked bowler in the T20I format, occupying the No. 3 position just behind Rashid Khan and Josh Hazlewood.

Presently representing B-Love Kandy in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2023, Wanindu Hasaranga is a highly coveted asset in the realm of T20 franchise cricket, sought after for his spinning expertise and all-round capabilities. 

Hasaranga to lead Sri Lanka’s spin department in the 2023 World Cup 

Hasaranga’s influence extends beyond T20s, as he proves his mettle in the One Day International (ODI) setup. His exceptional performance in the recent ODI World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe stands as a testament to his impact. Leading the charts as the leading wicket-taker with a remarkable 22 scalps, Hasaranga played an instrumental role in Sri Lanka’s tournament victory and World Cup qualification.

Sri Lanka’s spin department, spearheaded by Prabath Jayasuriya and Ramesh Mendis among others, reflects the depth of their talent pool. Notably, Hasaranga’s fellow mystery spinner Maheesh Theeksana has also made notable Test appearances in recent times. 

With Wanindu Hasaranga’s Test retirement, a new chapter unfolds in his journey, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to leaving an indelible mark on white-ball cricket on both national and global stages.

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