Dasun Shanaka's coach calls him one of the cleanest six hitters in Sri Lanka

Dasun Shanaka who put up a tremendous display in the third T20 international against Pakistan in Lahore has been included in the Test squad against India. He seems an exciting prospect and the Sri Lankan team would be expecting him to display his prowess when they tour the neighbouring country.

His coach at the SSC, Gayan Wijekoon has praised the youngster. He pointed out that as a batsman, Shanaka may take a little bit time to settle, but once in the groove, he has the knack of rendering some massive hits in the end overs.

One of the cleanest six hitters in Sri Lanka

“Dasun needs some time in the middle to settle down before whacking. If he gets 10-15 balls earlier in his innings, where he can organise his game, mind you, he is one of the cleanest six hitter, Sri Lanka Cricket currently have” Wijekoon was quoted as saying by Cricket Age.

The coach was indeed outright as he spoke about Shanaka’s six-hitting ability. He has smashed 82 sixes in the 44 first-class games he has appeared. Thus, it will be interesting to see what he has got to offer when it comes to the traditional format. Hardik Pandya has been instrumental in striking quick runs for India while batting down the order and nothing less would be expected from Shanaka.

Fantastic knock against Pakistan at Lahore

The 26-year-old who made his international debut in 2015 was stupendous against Pakistan. Even though his team lost by 36 runs, Dasun Shanaka made a mark and helped Sri Lanka give some fight. Coming out to bat at No.5 with Sri Lanka in a spot of bother with the scoreline of 21/3, Shanaka took his own sweet time to settle.

However, once he felt the need to accelerate, what followed was some splendid power hitting all over. He didn’t even spare Pakistan’s new bowling sensation, Shadab Khan. Scoring 54 runs from just 36 balls, Dasun went on to hit 5 fours and 3 sixes. While he got out to Fahim Ashraf and failed to get his team over to the finish line, he had an outstanding strike rate of above 150.