Sri Lanka batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa had sparked controversy by alleging that Indian players are using power-generating bats. This has triggered a fresh debate amid the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026.
Sri Lanka batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa has clarified that his remarks about the bats of Indian players were interpreted differently from what he meant and the real meaning was lost in translation. In the English translations of his comment, Rajapaksa seemed to be making serious allegations against the Indian cricket team, questioning the bats used by Indian players in T20 cricket.
Speaking to Sri Lanka's NewsWire after his team's victory over Ireland in their first game of the ongoing T20 World Cup, Rajapaksa claimed that Indian batters are using bats that generate far more power than those available to other teams.
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“Indian players have bats that are far superior to the best bats we get. It feels as though a layer of rubber has been applied. I can’t imagine how that’s possible. These bats can’t even be bought by others — all players know this,” Rajapaksa was quoted as saying.
The comments have sparked debate, as they hint at possible bat tampering or the use of specially designed equipment. However, no official complaint has been lodged with the ICC so far, and neither the Indian team nor the cricket governing body has responded to the claims made by Rajapaksa, who is not part of the ongoing World Cup.
The hard-hitting left-hander who has played 50 international matches for Sri Lanka said that instead of calling out the legality of bats, he was actually praising the technological advancement in Indian equipment.
“Hi all, just a quick clarification about comments from a recent interview that have been interpreted differently and, in parts, lost in translation," Rajapaksa wrote on social media.
“My point was meant as praise: Indian cricket is incredibly advanced, from its systems and infrastructure to its equipment standards. Their bat manufacturers are truly among the best in the world. In hindsight, I could have provided clearer context. Nothing but respect always," he added.
Rajapaksa last played for Sri Lanka in November 2025 and is not part of the squad for the ongoing T20 World Cup.
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