Full Name: Pinnaduwage Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva Date of Birth: July 29, 1997 Birthplace: Galle, Sri Lanka Role: Right-Arm Legbreak Bowler | Right-Handed Lower-Order Batter | Bowling All-Rounder With his unique blend of flair, fire, and finesse, Wanindu Hasaranga, donning jersey number 49, has emerged as the heartbeat of Sri Lanka’s modern cricketing resurgence. A leg-spinner who can turn matches and a batter who can turn games on their head, Wanindu is a showman with substance—a player who thrives under the bright lights and pressure. Born in Galle, a historic city rich in cricketing tradition, Hasaranga was drawn to the game early, inspired by his elder brother, Chaturanga de Silva, who also represented Sri Lanka. Cricket was more than a game in their household—it was a way of life. While Hasaranga initially started as a fast bowler, he transformed into a leg-spinner under the guidance of coaches at Richmond College, a decision that changed the trajectory of his career. His international debut came in 2017, and what a debut it was—he claimed a hat-trick in his very first ODI match against Zimbabwe, becoming only the third player in history to do so. That spectacular entrance was a sign of things to come. Wanindu had arrived, not just as a cricketer, but as an entertainer and match-winner. Over the next few years, Hasaranga established himself as Sri Lanka’s premier spinner, particularly in limited-overs formats. His bowling is a cocktail of guile, control, and aggression. He doesn’t just bowl leg-spin—he weaves spells. Whether it’s deceiving batters with sharp googlies or outfoxing them with his flight, Wanindu has turned leg-spin into an art form for Sri Lanka. His performances in the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup were jaw-dropping. He finished as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker, often single-handedly carrying Sri Lanka’s bowling unit. From dismissing top-order giants to stifling middle overs, he was everywhere, and fans around the world took notice. But he’s not just a bowler. With the bat, Hasaranga is a fearless striker. He has rescued Sri Lanka from dire situations with counterattacking innings, often batting with the tail and adding crucial runs at lightning speed. His 80 off 60 balls against Ireland in 2023 was a perfect example of his grit and flair rolled into one. Off the field, Wanindu is humble, focused, and driven. He shies away from the spotlight, but on the ground, he’s all energy—diving in the field, celebrating wickets with gusto, and wearing his heart on his sleeve. He credits his success to hard work and the unshakeable support of his family, especially his brother. Despite IPL and franchise fame, Hasaranga remains deeply committed to Sri Lanka’s rise. He dreams of leading the team to ICC glory and often speaks about playing his role in rebuilding national pride. With jersey number 49, Wanindu Hasaranga isn’t just Sri Lanka’s best spinner—he’s a warrior, a magician, and the face of a new generation that believes, fights, and dances to its own rhythm.