The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajeev Shukla has commended Sri Lankan batter Sonal Dinusha for his consistent performances against India in the ongoing Test series. Shukla described Dinusha as a potential great in Test cricket and remarked that he “looks like Tendulkar”.
Dinusha, 25, has already scored two centuries in the home series against India and continued his excellent run with a half-century on the final day of the second Test in Colombo. He forged a century partnership with teammate Keshara Nuwantha, helping Sri Lanka avoid a series whitewash and improve their position in the match.
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Amidst an otherwise inconsistent Sri Lankan batting line-up, Dinusha’s temperament, shot selection, and ability to play extended innings have distinguished him as the best batter of the series. At the time of writing, he has accumulated 544 runs in nine innings across five Tests, averaging 77.71, with two centuries and three half-centuries.
Shukla expressed his admiration on his X account,
Shukla expressed his admiration on his X account, stating: “This Sonal of Srilanka is an amazing player. Looking like Tendulkar. Can be a wonderful test player in international cricket. @OfficialSLC”
Dinusha has joined Sri Lankan cricketing greats Kumar Sangakkara and Dimuth Karunaratne as the third Sri Lankan batter to record fifty-plus scores in all four innings of a two-match Test series. He is also the second batter to achieve this feat against India, following Zimbabwe’s Andy Flower during the 2000 series.
Additionally, Dinusha has become only the fifth batter, alongside Douglas Jardine, Everton Weekes, Clyde Walcott, and Ken Barrington, to score fifty-plus runs in the first four Test innings against India.
During the final day of the second Test at Colombo on Thursday, Dinusha’s resilient half-century and his century partnership with Nuwantha kept Sri Lanka’s hopes alive for securing a draw. At the end of the first session, Sri Lanka was 329 for six, leading by 116 runs, with Dinusha unbeaten on 55 and Nuwantha on 46. The day began with Sri Lanka at 229 for six, leading by 16 runs, with both Dinusha and Nuwantha not out on seven and three respectively.
Source: thenewsmill.com
