Wanindu Hasaranga

Sri Lanka's search for a genuine match-winner in the shortest format found its answer in Wanindu Hasaranga, a leg-spinner who doubles as a lower-order hitter. His arrival changed the team's white-ball balance overnight, giving them a bowler who could strangle the middle overs and a batsman who could clear the ropes under pressure.

Hasaranga's international career took off at the 2021 T20 World Cup, where his 16 wickets in eight games, the most in the tournament, announced him as a global threat. That form carried into franchise cricket, where he became one of the most sought-after T20 spinners, rattling line-ups with a googly that few batters read early. He was central to Sri Lanka's 2022 Asia Cup title win.

Beyond his bowling, he has developed into a resourceful batter, often rescuing Sri Lanka from collapses with inventive strokeplay. His fielding is electric, saving runs and holding sharp catches that shift momentum. He has captained Sri Lanka's T20 side, blending aggression with tactical nous.

Injuries and occasional suspensions have interrupted his progress, but at his best Hasaranga is a compact, high-energy package who thrives on the biggest stages. In the IPL he has turned out for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals, and he remains fixed at the heart of Sri Lanka's white-ball plans.