Sri Lanka’s cricket fraternity has been taken aback by the recent retirement announcement of Wanindu Hasaranga from international Test cricket. Known for his exceptional wrist-spinning skills, Hasaranga has chosen to step away from Test matches to concentrate on limited-overs cricket for his country and various T20 franchises globally.
In a letter addressed to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), Hasaranga conveyed his decision to retire from Test cricket, emphasizing his desire to channel his energies into the game’s shorter formats. This decision stems from his aspiration to excel in limited-overs cricket and contribute significantly to the national team’s success.
Hasaranga’s involvement in multiple T20 leagues worldwide, coupled with the rapid evolution of franchise cricket, has undoubtedly influenced his choice. The allure of T20 tournaments has prompted him to shift his focus away from Test cricket, extending his shelf life as a specialist in limited-overs formats.
The all-rounder has played only four matches for Sri Lanka in the longer format of the game, picking up only 4 wickets at an average of 100.75 having made his Test debut for the team against South Africa in 2020 and he played his last game in the Test Cricket against Bangladesh in 2021.
Hasaranga’s letter to Sri Lanka Cricket highlights his intention to serve his nation to the best of his abilities while dedicating his efforts to the limited-overs game. His departure from Test cricket is symbolic of the shifting landscape in modern cricket, where players often need to make strategic choices about where to invest their energy and talents to maximize their impact and career longevity.
The decision by Wanindu Hasaranga to focus exclusively on limited-overs cricket is not only a reflection of the changing priorities in the cricketing world but also a demonstration of his dedication to continuous improvement and his eagerness to contribute effectively to his team’s success.
