28 March 2022 10:12 am Views - 4604
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 quick fire 43 to put his side in the driver’s seat, the Indian media Insidesports reported.
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.
Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s innings is a timely reminder of his skills and a statement of intent to the Sri Lankan Cricket Board, after he was dropped from the side on fitness grounds.
Rajapaksa had announced his retirement in protest and later retracted the same, working on his fitness before the IPL 2022 began.
Bhanuka Rajapaksa's 43(22) on IPL debut