Sri Lankan cricket sensation Wanindu Hasaranga, aged 26, has taken a surprising turn by announcing his retirement from Test cricket to focus on participating in more franchise cricket tournaments. In response, renowned cricket commentator and analyst, Harsha Bhogle, shared his perspective on this unexpected decision and its implications for the game.

The rise of franchise cricket’s allure, with its enticing rewards compared to the traditional red-ball format, has been reshaping the landscape of cricket. While Test cricket continues to hold its esteemed position among ardent followers, some players are opting to step away from it, prioritizing franchise leagues.

Expressing his thoughts on Wanindu Hasaranga’s abrupt retirement from Tests, Harsha Bhogle shared his viewpoint on social media, shedding light on the shifting aspirations of young cricketers.

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Bhogle’s post read, “That as fine a player as Wanindu Hasaranga chooses to turn his back on test cricket at 26 tells us a thing or two about the aspirations of young cricketers these days. As indeed it does about the opportunities, they see for themselves in test cricket,” Harsha Bhogle captioned on his ‘X’ handle.

That as fine a player as Wanindu Hasaranga chooses to turn his back on test cricket at 26 tells us a thing or two about the aspirations of young cricketers these days. As indeed it does about the opportunities they see for themselves in test cricket.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 15, 2023

Wanindu Hasaranga’s Test cricket journey consisted of only four matches for the Lankan team, during which he struggled to establish his presence in the format. With just four wickets to his name across these games, Hasaranga found himself on the fringes. Opting to specialize in limited-overs formats, he decided to bid farewell to Test cricket and prioritize his career accordingly.

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Presently, Hasaranga is actively participating in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) as a key member of the B-Love Kandy team. Currently ranked as the third-highest wicket-taker in the ongoing LPL edition, he has secured 11 wickets in eight matches.

Wanindu Hasaranga’s next cricketing endeavor will see him representing the national team in the crucial Asia Cup 2023, slated to commence on August 30. The Lankan squad’s opening match is against Bangladesh on August 31, hosted at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.