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.