'I think he is playing with a bit more responsibility' - Deep Dasgupta praises Bhanuka Rajapaksa for breakthrough Asia Cup campaign

The 2022 Asia Cup concluded after Sri Lanka clinched their sixth title by defeating Pakistan in the final in Dubai on Sunday. The 15th edition of the continental tournament saw some glittering performances from the usual stars, but it also witnessed several eye-catching performances from the lesser-known players. Former Indian cricketers Wasim Jaffer and Deep Dasgupta revealed their picks for the most impressive players in the 2022 Asia Cup.

Wasim Jaffer, in conversation with CricTracker, commended Bhanuka Rajapaksa for his superb batting effort, which pulled Sri Lanka out of deep waters. His partnership with all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga was the game-changer, according to Jaffer. The former Indian opener also lauded the Sri Lankans for scoring 103 runs in the last ten overs, which looked impossible at the ten-over mark in the match.

"Absolutely, it looked like Sri Lanka were down and out in the first ten overs. From 58/5 to 171 (170) was a great, great effort. Rajapaksa again, you know such a crucial knock at an important stage, got a bit lucky with the LBW call earlier in the innings. But the partnership with Hasaranga after that was the game-changing one. They scored 103 runs in the last ten overs after those early setbacks, which is a commendable job from them," said Wasim Jaffer via 'BatBricks7 presents Run Ki Runneeti' on CricTracker.

I always thought Bhanuka Rajapaksa was extremely talented: Deep Dasgupta

Former Indian wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta, part of the expert panel on CricTracker, suggested Bhanuka Rajapaksa's name when asked about the most impressive player in the tournament. He reckoned that the southpaw came in with a reputation of a dasher, and you could see the talent and potential in his brief 20-25 run innings. But he has taken more responsibility now and is a match-winner for the Sri Lankan side.

"One has to be Bhanuka Rajapaksa, not just today, but because I always thought he is extremely talented, but you know he wasn't converting those starts, he was playing too many shots. You could see the talent in his cameos, but I think he is playing with a bit more responsibility now," Deep Dasgupta said to CricTracker.