Cricket: Wanindu Hasaranga steps down from T20 captaincy

Sri Lanka's T20 skipper Wanindu Hasaranga has stepped down from the captaincy following intense public scrutiny over his on-field conduct.

Appointed in December last year by the new cricket selection committee led by Upul Tharanga, Hasaranga replaced Dasun Shanaka as the T20 captain.

During his brief tenure, Hasaranga led Sri Lanka to three series victories against Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, showcasing his prowess and leadership on the field.

His appointment came on the back of stellar performances as an all-rounder during the last Lanka Premier League (LPL), where he was the overwhelming choice for the captaincy.

However, Hasaranga's on-field conduct has come under heavy criticism, overshadowing his achievements.

He was handed a two-match suspension in February after being reported for dissent.

Another dissent followed this charge less than a month later during an ODI against Bangladesh, which led to a looming four-game suspension from the World Cup.

Following the recent incidents, selectors were pressured to rethink their strategy and were forced to remove Hasaranga ahead of the Indian series later this month.