one in t20 world cup 2026 campaign where the co-hosts are looking to recapture their former glory on home soil, Sri Lanka Has made a great statement with his clinical efficiency. under the strategic leadership of Dasun ShanakaThe ‘Lions’ have used their spin-friendly home conditions in Colombo and Kandy to dismantle early opponents, proving that they remain a force to be reckoned with in the shortest format. However, the headlines have been Bhanuka RajapaksaControversial claims about ‘rubber-coated’ Indian bats.
T20 World Cup 2026: Sri Lanka’s Bhanuka Rajapaksa expresses concern over special bats used by Indian players
The controversy reached its peak over Rajapaksa’s suggestion on February 10, 2026 In an interview with News Wire Indian batsmen are working with equipment that defies standard physics. Amid the World Cup where the subcontinent’s pitches are creating high-scoring thrills, the Sri Lankan power-hitter expressed his disbelief at the ease of the Indian players.
“Indian players have bats that are far better than the best bats we have. It feels like a layer of rubber has been put on it. I can’t even imagine how this is possible. These bats can’t even be bought by other people, all the players know that.” Rajapaksa claimed.
While the ICC maintains strict standards for all participating nations, these comments have sparked a major debate over whether technological differences in bat manufacturing have created an uneven playing field in modern T20 cricket.
Bhanuka Rajapaksa said in an interview, “Indian players have bats that are far better than the best bats we have. It feels like a layer of rubber has been put on. I can’t imagine how this is possible. These bats can’t even be bought by other people – all the players know that.” pic.twitter.com/RWaJGbaQ7F
– Newswire 🇱🇰 (@NewswireLK) 9 February 2026
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Sri Lanka’s performance in T20 World Cup 2026
trip to sri lanka t20 world cup 2026 started with a Clinical 20 run win over Ireland On February 8, 2026. The match illustrated the “Lankan blueprint” perfectly:
- Spin Web: Wanindu Hasaranga And Mahesh Theekshana Combined for six wickets, suffocating the Irish batsmen on a surface that offered significant turn and grip.
- Mendis Partnership: The victory was decided by an important partnership of 67 runs between the two. Kusal Mendis And Kamindu MendisThe latter scored a quickfire 44 runs in 19 balls, taking the score to 163.
- Current Status: After their opening win, Sri Lanka sit comfortably on top of Group B with 2 points and a healthy Net Run Rate (NRR) of +1.000.
The co-hosts have shown remarkable adaptability, moving from the humidity of Colombo to the cooler climate of Kandy for their upcoming fixtures. Featuring a well-balanced attack Mathisha Pathirana And with the experience of the spinners, Sri Lanka have emerged as a team that knows how to take advantage of their home ground.
