Rajapaksa Clarifies Bat Comments: No Indian 'Tampering' Alleged

Sri Lanka cricketer Bhanuka Rajapaksa has recently addressed comments he made regarding the bats used by Indian players, which had led to significant controversy. Rajapaksa has clarified that his remarks were misinterpreted and were not intended as an accusation of unfair practices or equipment tampering.

In a social media post, Rajapaksa explained that his intention was to commend India's sophisticated cricketing setup, including its advanced systems, infrastructure, and exceptional standards in equipment manufacturing. He specifically highlighted the quality of Indian bat makers, stating they are among the best globally. He acknowledged that he could have provided better context for his original statements.

The controversy stemmed from Rajapaksa's previous quote suggesting Indian players possessed bats far superior to others, with a noticeable difference akin to applied rubber. These comments fueled online discussions about potential special or modified equipment used by the Indian team.

However, the situation did not escalate to an official level, as neither the ICC nor the involved cricket boards filed any formal complaints. The discussion remained primarily within social media and fan communities. While ball tampering is a known issue in cricket, bat specifications, particularly regarding size and materials like English willow, have also been subjects of discussion due to their potential impact on performance and cost.