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Xtra Time Web Desk: Dunith Wellalage’s name went unsold in the last IPL 2023 auction. Sri Lanka's new spin-sensation wreaked havoc in the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 game against India at the R Premadasa stadium on Tuesday, claiming 5 wickets. The 20-year-old foxed the star Indian batting line-up with his left arm spin.

The left arm spinner from Colombo brought Sri Lanka back into the game after the Indian openers made a solid start scoring 80 runs off 11 overs. Wellalage immediately made an impact, dismissing Shubman Gill for 19 with a brilliant delivery. He continued to trouble the Indian batsmen and claimed the crucial wicket of Virat Kohli for just 3 runs in the 14th over. Kohli, who scored a brilliant unbeaten 122 runs against Pakistan on Monday was undone by a delivery that stopped and came, forcing Kohli to a false shot.

Wellalage's performance took a dramatic turn in the 16th over when he outfoxed Rohit Sharma, India's captain, causing India to slip from 80-0 to 93-3. He bowled a maiden and took three wickets in just three overs while conceding only 4 runs. Later in the 30th over, Wellalage returned to the attack and removed KL Rahul for 39, further denting India's progress.

Talking about Wellalage, at just 20 years old, he has showcased his talent and potential on the international stage. Born in Colombo in 2003, he made his debut against Australia in 2022 and has played 13 ODIs for Sri Lanka, taking 16 wickets. He was also a standout performer in the U-19 World Cup, where he captained Sri Lanka and excelled with both bat and ball, finishing as the team's top scorer and taking 17 wickets in the tournament.

He was the star performer for Sri Lanka in his debut ODI series against Australia at home. His dismissals included the likes of Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, David Warner and Glenn Maxwell. After his performance on Wednesday against India, the entire cricketing world will start working on this talented left arm spinner.

Wellalage's emergence as a rising star bodes well for Sri Lanka's cricketing future.