T20 WC: IND Using Special Bats? SL Star Big Claim

Sri Lanka batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa has made a striking claim about Indian players using what he called special bats. He made the remark during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The comment came after Sri Lanka’s match against Ireland in Colombo.

According to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, the bats used by Indian players feel different from standard ones. He claimed these bats are not available to other teams. He also suggested that many players across teams are already aware of this.

Rajapaksa stated that Indian players use bats superior to the best options available to others. He said it feels as if an extra rubber layer has been added. He questioned how such bats are possible and claimed they cannot be purchased by others.

ICC regulations clearly specify that bats must be made only of wood. They must also meet fixed size and shape guidelines. Any additional material inside the bat is strictly prohibited and equipment checks are conducted during matches.

So far, the ICC has not reported any rule violation by Indian players. Many top cricketers use custom made bats designed specifically for them. These bats are tailored in weight, shape, and balance to suit individual playing styles.

Bats used by players like Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma are crafted exclusively for their use. This is why identical versions are not sold commercially. Such personalisation is a common practice in modern cricket.

Even when a major brand name appears on a bat, it may be produced by a specialist bat maker. This practice is permitted under ICC rules. Players from several international teams follow the same approach.

India has faced similar claims in the past as well. During the 2023 ODI World Cup, former Pakistan player Hasan Raza alleged that India were using different balls.

However, former cricketers Wasim Akram, Shoaib Malik, and Misbah-ul-Haq dismissed those allegations. They stated that such claims hold no value without solid evidence.

Custom bats are widely used across international cricket and are legal under ICC guidelines. Unless the ICC identifies any violation, Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s statement remains unproven. The matter currently rests on speculation alone.