Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka, whose all-round skills helped Sri Lanka defeat India by 16 runs in the 2nd T20I, has been a tough nut to crack for the Indian bowlers in T20Is lately. Shanaka, whose record against India in T20Is of late has been impressive, went unsold at IPL 2023 auction at a base price of Rs 50 lakhs. Big Loss for IPL franchisees: In form All Rounder Dasun Shanaka ignored by IPL auction.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) auctions saw several all-rounders earning a fortune as the likes of Sam Curran, Ben Stokes and Cameron Green triggered bidding wars among all 10 franchises. While most of these players are yet to prove themselves on a consistent basis on Indian tracks, another all-rounder, Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka, found no bidders in Kochi despite entering the auction at a base price of Rs 50 lakhs.
It comes as a huge surprise considering Shanaka has tormented the Men in Blue in T20Is, having smoked their bowlers to all parts of the ground in his last few outings.In the 2nd T20I against India, Shanaka, who has clearly developed a liking for the Indian bowling attack, once again produced a sensational knock as he smashed 56 runs off just 22 balls.
With India needing 21 runs to win off the final over, Shanaka took the onus on his shoulders and bowled the final over – where he bagged two wickets and conceded just four runs.Even in the first T20I against India, as wickets kept tumbling from one end for Sri Lanka, Shanaka gave his side a real chance by smashing 45 runs off just 27 balls.
In last 5 T20Is against India, Shanaka has produced knocks of 56 (22), 45 (27), 33* (18), 74* (38) and 47* (19) runs respectively. He averages 245 at an impressive strike rate of 198 in his last 5 innings against India. Shanaka has done whatever it takes to earn an IPL contract and former Sri Lankan cricketer Farvez Mahroof opined that he would now be on the radar of a few IPL franchises and in case if he gets a contract, he would ensure that his price his doubled come next year.
“He is just getting better and better as a batsman. He clearly likes batting against India if you look at his scores,” Farvez Mahroof said on ESPNCricinfo before adding, “After his knock today and ever after his knock in the last match, I am sure few of the IPL franchises would be watching him.
Dasun Shanaka has signed up for the Dubai Capitals franchise which is owned by Delhi Capitals. I am pretty sure they must be keeping a close eye on him. When you are in form, when you are in a Purple Match, that’s where you need an IPL gig and if he gets it, I am sure he will make sure that his earnings are doubled come next year.”
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