Player introduction
| FULL NAME | BORN | AGE |
| Pinnaduwage Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva | July 29, 1997, Galle | 26y 17d |
| BATTING STYLE | BOWLING STYLE | PLAYING ROLE |
| Right hand Bat | Legbreak | Allrounder |
| EDUCATION | RELATIONS | |
| Richmond College, Galle | PC de Silva (brother) |
Teams
Wanidu Hasaranga, a formidable lower-middle order batsman with a knack for aggressive legbreak bowling, has made significant strides since his time at Richmond College. His stints with Sri Lanka’s Under-19 teams in 2015 and 2016 showcased his potential, and his domestic cricket journey began on a promising note.
While his bowling prowess was the talk of the town during the Under-19 years, particularly with his notable performance of 3 for 34 in the 2016 Youth World Cup quarter-final against England, his batting skills took center stage in his initial senior cricket years. On his first-class debut, Hasaranga made a quickfire 87 for the Ports Authority Cricket Club. Upon his transition to the Colombo Cricket Club, he amassed 586 runs in the 2017 Premier League Tournament with an impressive average of 39.06 and a striking rate of 93.
His commendable run in the first-class circuit, followed by consistent performances in the List A domestic tournaments, caught the attention of national selectors. Earning a spot for the first two ODIs against Zimbabwe in June 2017, Hasaranga’s fielding skills were also a notable factor in his selection. His debut was nothing short of spectacular; he etched his name in the ODI records by becoming only the third player to clinch a hat-trick on debut, dismissing three Zimbabwean players with his first 14th, 15th, and 16th international balls. By Andrew Fidel Fernando.
| FORMAT | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
| Test | 4 | 7 | 0 | 196 | 59 | 28.00 | 227 | 86.34 | 0 | 1 | 29 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| ODI | 48 | 42 | 7 | 832 | 80* | 23.77 | 755 | 110.19 | 0 | 4 | 75 | 27 | 15 | 0 |
| T20I | 58 | 49 | 11 | 533 | 71 | 14.02 | 430 | 123.95 | 0 | 1 | 54 | 8 | 22 | 0 |
| FC | 44 | 75 | 8 | 2657 | 120 | 39.65 | 3001 | 88.53 | 3 | 19 | 316 | 56 | 50 | 0 |
| List A | 91 | 80 | 15 | 1655 | 87 | 25.46 | 1448 | 114.29 | 0 | 10 | 153 | 58 | 34 | 0 |
| T20 | 155 | 119 | 27 | 1693 | 77* | 18.40 | 1189 | 142.38 | 0 | 7 | 172 | 48 | 70 | 0 |
Wanindu Hasaranga: Sri Lanka’s Rising Star in Modern Cricket
Wanindu Hasaranga, one of Sri Lanka’s most exciting young talents, has quickly risen through the ranks to establish himself as a household name in the cricketing arena. Born in Galle, a city known for producing some of Sri Lanka’s finest cricketers, Hasaranga’s journey from local schoolboy to international star is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and innate talent.
Early Years and Breakthrough:
From a young age, cricket was more than just a hobby for Hasaranga. His passion for the sport was evident in the hours he spent practicing in the nets and playing for Richmond College, Galle. It wasn’t long before his performances at the school level caught the attention of national selectors, leading to his inclusion in the Sri Lankan Under-19 team. His consistent performances, both with the bat and the ball, were instrumental in the team’s success during the 2016 Youth World Cup.
Domestic Dominance:
His transition to domestic cricket was seamless. Representing Ports Authority Cricket Club initially, and later switching to Colombo Cricket Club, Hasaranga showcased his prowess as a dynamic all-rounder. His aggressive batting style, combined with his leg-spin wizardry, made him a standout player in the domestic circuit.
International Acclaim:
Making his ODI debut against Zimbabwe in 2017, Hasaranga took the world by storm by claiming a hat-trick, a rare feat that cemented his place in the national side. Since then, he has been an integral part of Sri Lanka’s limited-overs setup, delivering match-winning performances on numerous occasions.
Playing Style:
Hasaranga’s playing style is a blend of aggression and finesse. As a batsman, he is known for his ability to accelerate the innings, playing both conventional and unorthodox shots with ease. His leg-spin, on the other hand, is characterized by a quick arm action, sharp turn, and deceptive variations. His fielding skills, especially in the inner circle, add another dimension to his game, making him a true three-dimensional player.
Future Prospects:
Given his age and the vast potential he has showcased thus far, many believe that Wanindu Hasaranga is destined for greatness. If he continues on this trajectory, he might well be one of the pillars around which the future of Sri Lankan cricket will be built.
In conclusion, Wanindu Hasaranga’s journey in international cricket has just begun, but the early signs suggest that he is poised to carry forward the legacy of Sri Lankan cricket legends. With a blend of skill, dedication, and the right attitude, this young prodigy has all the makings of a future great.
