Sri Lankan cricketer Bhanuka Rajapaksa has sparked controversy with claims about the bats used by Indian players, igniting debate among cricket fans and analysts. In a recent interview with Cricwire of NewsWireLK, Rajapaksa suggested that Indian cricketers are using bats that differ significantly from those available to other players.
Rajapaksa claimed that Indian batters’ equipment seems enhanced, saying it “feels as though a layer of rubber has been applied” to their bats, making it easier to play powerful shots. He further stated that these bats are not accessible to regular players and are limited to a select group, giving them an apparent advantage in international cricket.
The remarks have yet to receive any official response from the Board of Control for Cricket in India or the players mentioned.
Rajapaksa, known for his aggressive batting style, has represented Sri Lanka in 5 One Day Internationals and 45 T20 Internationals between 2019 and 2025, scoring 89 runs in ODIs and 744 runs in T20Is, including four half-centuries. In overall T20 cricket, he has amassed 4,187 runs in 225 matches at a strike rate of 136.83, including one century, 17 half-centuries, and a highest score of 100.
He has also participated in multiple high-profile T20 leagues worldwide, including the Lanka Premier League, Caribbean Premier League, Pakistan Super League, SA20, Bangladesh Premier League, Champions League T20, and the Indian Premier League.
