"Doesn't look serious on the field" - Kamran Akmal's blunt assessment on Wanindu Hasaranga's performances in IND vs SL T20I series
Kamran Akmal has criticized Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga for his underwhelming performances in the ongoing three-match T20I series against India. Despite having the home advantage, the Sri Lankan side suffered losses in the first two fixtures.
The second T20I of the series proved to be a forgettable outing for Hasaranga. The 27-year-old was dismissed for a golden duck and bowled an expensive spell, registering figures of 2-0-34-1.
Akmal opined that Hasaranga hasn't shown the same intensity in international cricket that he has done while playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Lanka Premier League (LPL). Slamming the crafty spinner for his casual attitude, the Pakistani keeper-batter said in his latest YouTube video (from 2:47):
"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."
Sri Lanka getting off to an impressive start and then suffering a collapse has been the story so far in the series. They lost seven wickets and scored just 31 runs in the last five overs of the second T20I.
Hasaranga lost his wicket to Ravi Bishnoi. He went for the slog sweep on the very first ball he faced. However, he failed to get any connection and the ball ended up crashing into the stumps.
"I think he has become bigger than cricket" - Basit Ali's sarcastic take on Wanindu Hasaranga's flop show in IND vs SL 2nd T20I
Former Pakistani batter Basit Ali also took a dig at Wanindu Hasaranga after Sri Lanka's seven-wicket loss to India in the second T20I. He sarcastically remarked that the player has now become bigger than the sport.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Basit said (from 1:36):
"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."
Sri Lanka would aim to avoid a whitewash in the third and final T20I of the series, which will be played at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, July 30.