'Indian batters don't pick Wanindu Hasaranga'- Farveez Maharoof

Wanindu Hasaranga in action [Source: AP]

On Tuesday, India sealed a narrow two-run win over Sri Lanka in the first T20I of the three-match series. Batting first, the Men in Blue posted a decent 162 and later defended the total to gain a 1-0 lead in the series. 

However, star Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga emerged as a shining lights for the visitors in this encounter. On a flat Wankhede deck, the leg spinner made it incredibly tough for the Indian batters to accelerate, finishing with remarkable figures of one for 22 in his four overs. 

Besides claiming the prized scalp of Ishan Kishan, Hasaranga was able to keep the likes of Sanju Samson and Hardik Pandya quiet through his wily variations. 

Seeing Hasaranga's heroics in the game, former Sri Lankan all-rounder Farveez Maharoof opined that the Indians don't pick his variations and are uncomfortable while facing him. 

He also credited the Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka for how he utilised Hasaranga in the face-off. 

Here's what Maharoof stated

"I don’t think most of the Indian players pick Hasaranga or are comfortable playing against him, unless he bowls a bad delivery. I don’t think players like Sanju Samson pick him. Even Hardik Pandya is not that confident to face him when it’s on a good length,

"I reckon Dasun Shanaka was very smart, the way he used Hasaranga. They did their homework very well."

Meanwhile, the second T20I between the two teams will be played in Pune on Thursday. 

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