After 'India players have superior bats' remark, Rajapaksa makes new post

NEW DELHI: Sri Lanka batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa has clarified his caller comments astir the bats utilized by Indian cricketers aft they sparked large contention during the T20 World Cup 2026. His earlier remarks were interpreted by galore arsenic an allegation of “bat-tampering” oregon unfair instrumentality advantages for Team India, but Rajapaksa said his words were misunderstood and taken retired of context.

In a societal media post, Rajapaksa explained that his volition was to praise India’s cricketing setup and instrumentality standards, not impeach anyone of wrongdoing. “Hi all, conscionable a speedy clarification astir comments from a caller interrogation that person been interpreted otherwise and, successful parts, mislaid successful translation," helium wrote. “My constituent was meant arsenic praise: Indian cricket is incredibly advanced, from its systems and infrastructure to its instrumentality standards.

Their bat manufacturers are genuinely among the champion successful the world. In hindsight, I could person provided clearer context. Nothing but respect always," helium added.The contention began aft Rajapaksa was quoted arsenic saying, “Indian players person bats that are acold superior to the champion bats we get. It feels arsenic though a furniture of rubber has been applied. I can’t ideate however that’s possible. These bats can’t adjacent beryllium bought by others — each players cognize this."

These comments led to online debates and speculation astir whether Indian players were utilizing peculiar oregon modified bats.However, nary authoritative ailment was made to the ICC, and neither India nor Sri Lanka issued immoderate ceremonial connection connected the matter. The occurrence chiefly remained a societal media and instrumentality discussion.In cricket, shot tampering has agelong been a delicate topic, but bats person besides been discussed successful the past, particularly regarding size and power. The ICC has rules connected bat dimensions, specified arsenic the maximum thickness of the edges, but determination are nary regulations connected the prime of the willow utilized to marque bats. With English willow becoming rarer and much expensive, immoderate fearfulness that wealthier teams and players could summation an instrumentality advantage.