Declared unfit to play for Sri Lanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa sends big message to SLC

Dropped from the Sri Lankan team over fitness concerns, Bhanuka Rajapaksa delivered a statement of intent on his IPL 2022 debut on Sunday. Coming into bat at No. 3 for Punjab Kings, the left-hander blasted a quickfire 43 to put his side in the driver’s seat.

Bhanuka Rajapaksa silenced his critics in fine style on Sunday after he chipped in with a game-changing knock at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The Sri Lankan, who filled in for the absent Jonny Bairstow, scored a magnificent 43 off just 22 balls to add impetus to Punjab’s chase, who eventually sealed the deal with an over to spare.

The Sri Lankan left-hander took particular liking to fellow countryman Wanindu Hasaranga, who struggled to keep Rajapaksa in check. Bhanuka nullified the threat of Hasaranga’s mystery spin, further easing Punjab’s troubles.