a T20 World Cup 2026 a campaign where co-owners want to restore their land to its former glory, Sri Lanka made a resounding statement with their clinical effectiveness. under tactical leadership Dasun ShanakaThe Lions used the favorable home conditions of the spin in Colombo and Kandy to demolish the opposition early, proving they remain a formidable force in the shortest format. Bhanuka Rajapaksa‘s controversial claims about ‘rubber-coated’ Indian bats.
T20 World Cup 2026: Sri Lanka’s Bhanuka Rajapaksa raises concerns over special bats used by Indian players
The controversy reached a boiling point on 10 February 2026 when Rajapaksa proposed. In an interview with News Wire Indian batters work with equipment that defies standard physics. During a World Cup where sub-continental pitches produced high-scoring thrillers, the Sri Lankan power hitter expressed his disbelief that the Indian bowlers cleared the ropes with ease.
“Indian players have bats that are far superior to the best bats we have. It’s like a layer of rubber has been put on it. I can’t imagine how that’s possible. No one else can buy these bats, all the players know that.” Rajapaksa claimed.
While the ICC maintains strict standards for all participating nations, the comments sparked widespread debate over whether the technological gap in bat manufacturing has created an uneven playing field in modern T20 cricket.
“Indian players have bats that are far superior to the best bats we have. It’s like a layer of rubber has been applied. I can’t imagine how that’s possible. No one else can buy these bats – all the players know that,” Bhanuka Rajapaksa said in an interview. pic.twitter.com/RWaJGbaQ7F
— NewsWire 🇱🇰 (@NewsWireLK) February 9, 2026
Also READ: Shubman Gill’s close friend Agni Chopra responds to PSL registration rumours
Sri Lanka’s performance in the 2026 T20 World Cup
A journey of Sri Lanka T20 World Cup 2026 started with A clinical 20-run win over Ireland February 8, 2026. The match epitomized the ‘Lanka plan’ perfectly:
- The Spin Web: Wanindu Hasaranga and Mahesh Theekshana combined for six wickets, stifling the Irish batters on a surface that offered considerable spin and grip.
- Mendis Partnership: The victory was built on a crucial stand of 67 runs Where in Mandy and Kamindu Mendiswith the latter he quickly smashed 44 off 19 balls to take the score to 163.
- Current status: After their opening win, Sri Lanka sit comfortably at the top of Group B with 2 points and a healthy Net Run Rate (NRR) of +1,000.
The co-hosts have shown great adaptability, moving from the humidity of Colombo to the cooler climes of Kandy for the upcoming fixtures. With a well-balanced attack that reflects his speed Matheesha Pathirana and experience of the spinners, Sri Lanka emerged as a team that knew exactly how to use their home advantage.
