In a T20 World Cup 2026 campaign where the co-hosts are looking to reclaim their former glory on home soil, Sri Lanka has made a resounding statement with their clinical efficiency. Under the tactical leadership of Dasun Shanaka, the ‘Lions” have utilized their spin-friendly home conditions in Colombo and Kandy to dismantle early opposition, proving that they remain a formidable force in the shortest format. However the headlines have been dominated by Bhanuka Rajapaksa‘s controversial claims about ‘rubber-layered” 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 February 10, 2026, when Rajapaksa suggested in an interview with News Wire that Indian batters are operating with equipment that defies standard physics. Amidst a World Cup where sub-continental pitches are producing high-scoring thrillers, the Sri Lankan power-hitter expressed his disbelief at the ease with which Indian players are clearing the ropes.
“Indian players have bats that are far superior to the best bats we get. It feels as though a layer of rubber has been applied. I can’t imagine how that’s possible. These bats can’t even be bought by others, all players know this,” Rajapaksa claimed.
While the ICC maintains strict standards for all participating nations, these comments have sparked a massive 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 get. It feels as though a layer of rubber has been applied. I can’t imagine how that’s possible. These bats can’t even be bought by others — all players know this,” Bhanuka Rajapaksa said in an interview,… pic.twitter.com/RWaJGbaQ7F
— NewsWire 🇱🇰 (@NewsWireLK) February 9, 2026
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Sri Lanka’s performance in the T20 World Cup 2026
Sri Lanka’s journey in the T20 World Cup 2026 began with a clinical 20-run victory over Ireland on February 8, 2026. The match perfectly illustrated the “Lankan Blueprint”:
- The Spin Web: Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana combined for six wickets, suffocating the Irish batters on a surface that offered significant turn and grip.
- The Mendis Partnership: The victory was built on a vital 67-run stand between Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis, with the latter smashing a rapid 44 off 19 balls to propel the score to 163.
- Current Standings: Following their opening win, Sri Lanka sits 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 remarkable adaptability, moving from the humidity of Colombo to the cooler climes of Kandy for their upcoming fixtures. With a well-balanced attack featuring the pace of Matheesha Pathirana and the experience of spinners, Sri Lanka have emerged as a team that knows exactly how to exploit their home advantage.
