Sri Lankan cricketer Bhanuka Rajapaksa has stirred controversy by claiming that Indian players use unusually powerful bats. His remarks have reignited debate among fans and experts regarding fairness in international cricket and the role of equipment in modern power-hitting.
While discussing how batting has evolved, Rajapaksa suggested that Indian batters benefit from bats that differ significantly from those used by other professionals. He claimed these bats allow players to hit longer shots with noticeably less effort, which he believes provides a clear competitive edge.
Rajapaksa described the bats as feeling unnatural compared to standard willow. He stated that the surface feels as though a rubber-like layer has been applied. According to him, this feature enhances rebound and shot power, making aggressive batting easier than before.
He further claimed that such bats are not available to ordinary professional players. Instead, he alleged that only a selected group of cricketers has access to them. Rajapaksa added that this issue is widely discussed within cricketing circles, even though it rarely reaches the public domain.
According to the Sri Lankan batter, this equipment advantage changes the balance of competition. He argued that Indian batters can clear boundaries more effortlessly, while players from other teams must rely more heavily on timing, strength, and precision.
So far, no official response has been issued by Indian cricket authorities. Similarly, no Indian player has publicly addressed the allegations. As a result, the claims remain unverified, yet they continue to generate discussion across cricket communities.
Rajapaksa represented Sri Lanka in limited-overs cricket between 2019 and 2025. He played five One Day Internationals and forty-five T20 Internationals during his international career. He scored 89 runs in ODIs and 744 runs in T20Is, including four half-centuries.
However, his strongest performances came in franchise cricket. Overall, Rajapaksa scored 4,187 runs in 225 T20 matches at a strike rate of 136.83. His record includes one century, seventeen half-centuries, and a highest score of 100.
He has also featured in several major T20 leagues worldwide. These include leagues in South Asia, the Caribbean, Africa, and global franchise tournaments, highlighting his experience across competitive cricket environments.
In conclusion, Rajapaksa’s comments have added fuel to an ongoing debate about equipment standards in international cricket. Until clarity emerges from governing bodies, questions surrounding bat technology and competitive fairness are likely to persist.
