Wanindu Hasaranga, the versatile all-rounder hailing from the vibrant city of Galle, has carved a niche for himself in the cricketing arena with his adept leg-spin bowling. His cricketing journey commenced at Richmond College, Galle, where he honed his skills and laid the foundation for his illustrious career. Initially recognized for his prowess as a frontline seam bowler, Hasaranga heeded the advice of his mentor and transitioned into a leg-spinner, a move that would shape his future in the sport.
In 2016, Hasaranga's talent caught the eye of selectors as he earned a spot in Sri Lanka's U19 World Cup squad, marking his debut on the international stage. 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.
The year 2019 witnessed Hasaranga's long-awaited T20I debut against New Zealand, a significant milestone in his international career. His breakthrough performance came later that year during the T20I series against Pakistan, where his bowling prowess earned him the prestigious title of the Man of the Series after claiming 8 wickets in three matches.
Earning a spot in the Test squad to face South Africa in December 2020 marked another significant milestone in Hasaranga's journey, as he ventured into the longest format of the game, showcasing his adaptability across all formats.
The pinnacle of Hasaranga's career came during the 2021 ICC World Twenty20, where he emerged as the leading wicket-taker of the tournament, surpassing the legendary Ajantha Mendis's record for the most wickets in a single edition of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. The subsequent year saw him play a pivotal role in Sri Lanka's triumph at the 2022 Asia Cup, where his stellar all-round performances earned him the prestigious title of Player of the Tournament.
In June 2023, Hasaranga played a crucial role in Sri Lanka's successful qualification for the 2023 Cricket World Cup. However, a setback occurred as a hamstring injury forced him out of the main event. Nevertheless, the dawn of 2024 marked his triumphant return after a prolonged period of injury layoff, underscoring his resilience and determination. Named as the captain for Sri Lanka for the 2024 T20 World Cup, a fully fit and injury-free Hasaranga is poised to lead his side with aplomb, aiming to guide them to their second T20 World Cup title.
