Fast-tracked from Sri Lanka’s Under-19 setup straight into the senior national side, Wanindu Hasaranga made an unforgettable entrance onto the international stage. In June 2017 , on ODI debut against Zimbabwe, he claimed a hat-trick , becoming only the third player in history to do so on debut , and the first-ever leg-spinner to achieve the feat. It was a remarkable beginning — one that foreshadowed his future as one of world cricket’s premier white-ball bowlers. From Youth Sensation to All-Format Prospect Hasaranga initially rose through the ranks as a leg-spinner , impressing during the 2016 ICC Under-19 World Cup . However, his batting rapidly evolved as well. Representing Colombo Cricket Club , he delivered back-to-back strong seasons in the Premier League tournament , finishing the 2016–17 season with the ‘Most Promising Player’ award . His List A success earned him a national call-up, and he seamlessly transitioned into international cricket. In 2018, he further displayed his all-round prowess by finishing as Colombo CC’s leading run-scorer , amassing 765 runs in nine matches . Combined with his sharp fielding and attacking leg-spin , Hasaranga began to emerge as a complete package for Sri Lanka, particularly in limited overs formats. T20 Stardom and Global Recognition Though he missed out on a place in the squad for the 2019 ODI World Cup , Hasaranga made his T20I debut later that year — a format where he would flourish. With his deceptive googly , tight lines, and attacking mindset, he quickly became Sri Lanka’s go-to spinner in T20Is . In just 63 matches , Hasaranga became the second-fastest player to reach 100 T20I wickets , underlining his impact. His breakout moment came at the 2021 T20 World Cup in UAE , where he finished as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker . Franchise Cricket and IPL Success Hasaranga’s brilliance did not go unnoticed in the franchise circuit. He became a prized asset in T20 leagues around the globe, culminating in a major payday when Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) secured him for INR 10.75 crores in the 2022 IPL auction . He delivered on expectations, taking 26 wickets at an economy rate of 7.54 , playing a vital role for RCB that season. Although he couldn’t replicate the same success in 2023, Hasaranga bounced back in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) , putting in a historic performance for B-Love Kandy — finishing as both the leading run-getter and wicket-taker in the tournament. He guided his team to the title but unfortunately suffered a hamstring injury , which ruled him out of the 2023 ODI World Cup in India . Leadership and Transition In recognition of his growing stature, Hasaranga was appointed Sri Lanka’s T20I captain in late 2023 . However, while he thrived in white-ball formats, his red-ball career never quite took off. After playing just four Tests , he announced his retirement from Test cricket in 2023 at the age of 26, choosing to focus entirely on limited-overs formats. The Future of Sri Lankan White-Ball Cricket Wanindu Hasaranga represents the modern-day all-rounder — a bowler with mystery and control, a batter capable of changing games, and a fielder who saves runs for fun. As Sri Lanka continues to rebuild in white-ball cricket, Hasaranga stands out as the face of their resurgence , combining flair with leadership and a hunger for global success.
