SL vs AUS: Wanindu Hasaranga returns to Sri Lanka’s T20I side after IPL heroics for Royal Challengers Bangalore
India Today
Wanindu Hasaranga didn't take part in the T20I series against India, but was exceptional for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL 2022.
Sri Lanka have named their playing XI for the opening T20I against Australia on Tuesday, June 7 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga didn’t play in the series against India earlier this year and he will make his comeback into the national setup. The leg-spinner had an outstanding campaign for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the 2022 Indian Premier League (IPL).
He was among the contenders to win the Purple Cap before Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) Yuzvendra Chahal edged him out. The focus will also be on spinner Maheesh Theekshana, who played a crucial role for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2022. Theekshana was also a part of the five-match series when Sri Lanka lost 1-4 to Australia.
However, another CSK cricketer, Matheesha Pathirana, failed to break into the playing XI for the opening encounter. Earlier, MS Dhoni, the Super Kings’ skipper, said that the teeraway pacer has skills similar to the legendary Lasith Malinga.
Right-handed Pathum Nissanka, who recently recovered from a back injury, has been included in the eleven. Dushmantha Chameera, who had a reasonable stint for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), has found a spot in the eleven as well.
Bhanuka Rajapaksa is another player who played in the IPL, and will now turn up for Sri Lanka in the upcoming limited-overs fixtures.
Pathum Nissanka, Danushka Gunathilaka, Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (captain), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara
