(Photo Credits: @newfoundlandlions)
For Newfoundland Lions all-rounder Ranuka Hansa, cricket isn’t about overcomplicating things. His approach to the game is rooted in simplicity — a focus on the basics, whether he has the ball in hand or the bat in his grip.
“I always try to keep it simple,” Hansa explained. “That mindset has really helped me stay in good shape both mentally and physically this season.”
It’s been a season where his hard work is beginning to shine through. After putting in the effort over the past couple of years, Hansa now feels in rhythm with both bat and ball. “I feel I’m in good touch at the moment,” he said. “The work I’ve put in over the past couple of seasons is starting to show results. But there’s still a lot to learn, especially with my batting. What excites me is that I’m building good consistency as an all-rounder while continuing to improve.”
The numbers this year certainly back him up. With 265 runs in 11 innings, Hansa has been a steady contributor with the bat, often stepping up when his side needed runs in tough situations. With the ball, he’s been even more impressive — 19 wickets in 11 innings, putting him third on the league’s wicket-taking charts. Those figures reflect his growing consistency and his value as a genuine all-rounder for the Lions.
That consistency is something the Lions have come to rely on. Hansa has embraced the responsibility of setting the tone for his team — not through flashy moments, but by trusting his preparation and sticking to the fundamentals, even in pressure situations. “I really enjoy those moments,” he admitted. “I know the team counts on me, and I take that responsibility seriously. For me, it’s not about doing something extraordinary, but about sticking to the basics under pressure.”
Despite the stats that highlight his impact, Hansa insists numbers are not what drive him. “I never worry too much about stats. They’re nice to look back on, but I never go into a game thinking about numbers. For me, it’s always about winning the game for the team. If you play for the team, the stats usually take care of themselves.”
That said, every player has milestones in mind. For Hansa, the dream benchmark would be 500 runs and 30 wickets in a season — but even then, he’s quick to bring the focus back to the team. “As an all-rounder, I’d love to reach that, but honestly, the feeling of contributing when the team needs it most is far more rewarding than any personal milestone.”
It’s a refreshing perspective in an era where statistics dominate cricket discussions. For Ranuka Hansa, the Lions’ trusted all-rounder, the game remains about effort, trust, and the basics — and that’s what makes him such an important piece of the Newfoundland Lions puzzle.