Download the all-new Republic app:

Published 22:04 IST, September 14th 2023

'He has all the qualities to become the next Sanath Jayasuriya': Ex-India chief selector

Sri Lanka cricket team all-rounder Dunith Wellalage broke the backbone of the Indian batting line up during the IND vs SL Asia Cup 2023 match.

Reported by: Saksham Nagar
Follow: Google News Icon
  • share
Sri Lanka cricket team all rounder Dunith Wellalage (Image: AP) | Image: self
Advertisement

Team India, led by Rohit Sharma, defeated Sri Lanka in their second Super 4s Asia Cup 2023 match by 41 runs and booked a place in the finals of the tournament. But Sri Lanka spinner Dunith Wellalage have a tough time to the team, who successfully picked up a five-wicket haul and also played a fighting knock of 42* runs. However, the young 20-year-old left-handed all-rounder was not able to take his team over the line and in the end the Asia Cup 2023 co-hosts lost the match.

3 things you need to know 

  • Team India is currently ranked in the top spot of the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4s points table 
  • The finals of the Asia Cup 2023 will be played on September 17 
  • The winner of the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka match will play India in the Asia Cup 2023 finals 

ALSO READ | Another Indian player has surpassed Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill's Yo-Yo Test score

Advertisement

Sunil Joshi comes up with a big statement on Dunith Wellalage's future 

(Sri Lanka cricket team all-rounder Dunith Wellalage / Image: AP)

Former Indian cricket team selector, while speaking to Star Sports, heaped praise for Sri Lanka all-rounder Dunith Wellalage and believes that he has all the capabilities to become the next Sanath Jayasuriya. Sunil Joshi said: 

Advertisement

You have got to give credit to that young lad, the Under-19 Sri Lankan captain, an exciting player in the making. Probably might be another Sanath Jayasuriya. I hope I am not jumping the gun but he has all the qualities to become the next Sanath Jayasuriya of Sri Lanka.

We have seen him bowling and we have seen the previous innings as well, but the way he batted, he has got each and every quality to become another Jayasuriya for Sri Lanka.

Advertisement

ALSO READ | 'Heart goes out to families': Sehwag, cricket world pay tribute to Anantnag clash martyrs

Dunith Wellalage destroys the Indian cricket team's batting lineup 

Sri Lanka all-rounder Dunith Wellalage removed top Indian names like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul, and wrapped up the Indian team for a first-innings score of 213 runs. Team India was 80/0 at one point and cruising towards a big score, however, Wellalage's spin-bowling didn't allow the Indian batters to settle at the crease. Apart from Wellalage, Charith Asalanka also picked up a four-wicket haul and wrapped up the Indian lower order. 

Advertisement

22:04 IST, September 14th 2023