Akmal criticises Hasaranga's attitude

Sri Lanka’s top all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has had a disappointing T20I series against India, failing to deliver with both bat and ball. In the first two matches of the series, Hasaranga has managed only two wickets and was dismissed for a golden duck in the second game. Hasaranga’s performance was particularly poor in the second T20I. He struggled with the ball, conceding 34 runs in just two overs, including 16 runs in his first over and 18 in his second. Hardik Pandya was especially harsh on him, hitting two fours and a six off Hasaranga’s second over.

In the batting department, Hasaranga’s attempt to slog sweep for a big shot led to his dismissal on the very first ball, contributing to Sri Lanka’s collapse. The team, already struggling at 140/5, was all out for 169, with the lower order falling apart under pressure. The team’s batting woes were evident as they lost nine wickets for just 30 runs in the first T20I and seven wickets for 31 runs in the second.

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal criticized Hasaranga for his lack of seriousness.

“You’ve been the captain and are a match-winner. But look how he’s batted and bowled. His attitude doesn’t look serious on the field. We have seen him give everything in LPL and IPL. You need to have the same commitment while playing for your nation as well,” Akmal said.

Basit Ali, another former Pakistan cricketer, was also critical, suggesting that Hasaranga might have become too self-important.

“Number one all-rounder, Wanindu Hasaranga. I think he has become bigger than cricket. Cricket is small, he is big. He got out on the first ball by playing a poor shot. With the ball, he was taken to the cleaners by Suryakumar Yadav and Yashasvi Jaiswal,” Basit said.

Despite his recent struggles, Hasaranga remains the number one all-rounder in T20Is and is ranked third among the top T20I bowlers.