Wanindu Hasaranga shocks the cricket world, announces retirement from Tests at age of 26

One of world cricket's premier spinners and main bowlers of the Sri Lankan cricket team, Wanindu Hasaranga shocked the cricket world by announcing his retirement from Test cricket. The 26-year-old leg spinner made his debut in the longest format for Sri Lanka in 2020 and till now has only played four Tests. The Sri Lanka Cricket Board confirmed his retirement and issued a press release for the same. 

3 things you need to know 

• Wanindu Hasaranga played his last Test match against Bangladesh in Pallekele in 2021 
• Wanindu Hasaranga has been a vital part of the Sri Lanka team in the white-ball format 
• Hasaranga will be Sri Lanka's premier weapon in the ODI World Cup 2023 

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Sri Lanka Cricket accepts Hasaranga's Test retirement decision 

Wanindu Hasaranga informed Sri Lanka Cricket about his Test retirement which was further accepted by the country's cricketing body. In a detailed media release, Sri Lanka Cricket CEO Ashley de Silva said this on Hasaranga's retirement from the red ball format: 

Sri Lanka Men's all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has informed Sri Lanka Cricket that he will retire from playing test cricket. Informing his decision, Hasaranga said the reason behind the move is to prolong his career as a limited-overs specialist. We will accept his decision and are confident that Hasaranga will be a vital part of our white-ball program going forward. 

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A look at Wanindu Hasaranga's international career 

Wanindu Hasaranga till now has played a total of 110 international matches for the Sri Lanka cricket team and has picked 162 wickets at an average of 23.26. If we look at his Test cricket record, the leg spinner has only played four Tests and has picked four wickets at an average of 100.75.

Hasaranga also plays for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League and picked 26 wickets in the 15th edition of the league. He was the second-highest wicket-taker in IPL 2022, however, the leggie could not repeat the same performance in IPL 2023.