Wanindu Hasaranga, the 27-year-old Sri Lankan cricketer, has been making waves in the cricketing world with his exceptional all-round abilities. From his early days at Richmond College, Galle, to his current status as a key player for Sri Lanka, Hasaranga's journey is a testament to hard work and dedication. In this article, we delve into the life and career of Wanindu Hasaranga, exploring his rise to prominence and what makes him one of the best all-rounders in the game today.
Early Years and Education
Born on July 29, 1997, in Galle, Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga began his cricketing journey at Richmond College. This prestigious institution is known for producing talented cricketers, and Hasaranga was no exception. He honed his skills as a frontline seam bowler but later transitioned into a leg-spinner under the guidance of his mentor, a move that would shape his future in the sport.
Hasaranga's talent was recognized early on. In 2016, he earned a spot in Sri Lanka's U19 World Cup squad, marking his debut on the international stage. This exposure was crucial in developing his skills further. A year later, he made a memorable entry into ODI cricket, clinching a hat-trick in his debut match against Zimbabwe. This remarkable achievement not only made him the youngest player to achieve a hat-trick on debut but also placed him in a rare list alongside Kagiso Rabada and Taijul Islam.
Domestic Cricket Career
Hasaranga's domestic cricket career has been nothing short of impressive. In the 2018-19 Premier League Tournament, he emerged as the leading run-scorer for Colombo Cricket Club with an impressive 765 runs in nine matches. His batting prowess was evident as he hit 586 runs at an average of 39.06 and a strike rate of 93 in the 2017 Premier League Tournament.
In addition to his batting skills, Hasaranga has also been a force to be reckoned with as a bowler. He was named the player of the tournament in the inaugural edition of the Lanka Premier League after taking seventeen wickets. This performance showcased his ability to adapt to different formats and conditions, making him a valuable asset for any team.
International Career
Hasaranga made his international debut for Sri Lanka in July 2017. His debut was nothing short of spectacular as he became the third debutant in ODI history to claim a hat-trick. He took the final three Zimbabwe wickets in the innings in three consecutive deliveries, becoming the youngest bowler to take a hat-trick on debut in an ODI.
In December 2020, Hasaranga was named in Sri Lanka's Test squad for their series against South Africa. He made his Test debut against South Africa on December 26, 2020, and took four wickets for 171 runs in the match. In the second innings, he scored his maiden Test fifty, further solidifying his position as an all-rounder.
Hasaranga's performances in ODIs have been consistently impressive. During the ODI series against West Indies in March 2020, he showed his all-round talent by taking crucial wickets at the right time and scoring match-winning knocks. In the first ODI, he scored an unbeaten 42 runs to seal the game for Sri Lanka by one wicket. He also won the man of the match award for his outstanding performance.
T20I Career
Hasaranga's T20I career has been marked by several milestones. He made his T20I debut against New Zealand in 2019 and quickly established himself as a key player. His breakthrough performance came during the T20I series against Pakistan later that year, where he claimed eight wickets in three matches and was awarded the Man of the Series.
In June 2023, Hasaranga was named in Sri Lanka's squad for the 2023 Cricket World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe. He took six wickets against UAE in the opening match, picking up his first six-wicket haul in ODIs. This performance showcased his ability to adapt to different formats and conditions, making him a valuable asset for any team.
Hasaranga's recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular. In February 2024, he became the second-fastest bowler after Afghan Rashid Khan to claim 100 T20 international wickets. This achievement highlights his exceptional bowling skills and his ability to perform under pressure.
Ranking Amongst the Best All-Rounders
Hasaranga's all-round abilities have earned him recognition as one of the best all-rounders in world cricket. In recent rankings, he has been placed alongside other top all-rounders like Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel. His ability to score runs and take wickets makes him a valuable asset for any team.
The versatility of Hasaranga's game is what sets him apart from other players. His googly, which is a variation of a traditional leg-spinner, is his main stock delivery. He also has an additional variation of leg spin, making him a challenging opponent for batsmen.
Recent Performances and Challenges
Hasaranga's recent performances have been under scrutiny due to his poor captaincy and performance in the T20 World Cup 2024. He resigned as the T20I captain on July 11, 2024, citing these reasons.
Despite these challenges, Hasaranga remains a key player for Sri Lanka. His recent performances in List A matches have been impressive, with notable performances against Dambulla and Kandy.
Hasaranga's ability to adapt to different formats and conditions makes him a valuable asset for any team. His recent performances in T20Is have been nothing short of spectacular, and he continues to be a force to be reckoned with in modern cricket.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Wanindu Hasaranga's journey from Richmond College to becoming one of the best all-rounders in world cricket is a testament to his hard work and dedication. His exceptional batting and bowling skills, coupled with his ability to adapt to different formats and conditions, make him a valuable asset for any team. As he continues to evolve as a cricketer, it will be exciting to see what the future holds for this talented young player.
