Wanindu Hasaranga became the talk of the town after his superb performances in the series between Sri Lanka and India. Before that, Hasaranga had performed well for Sri Lanka during their tour of England. He is a right-arm leg-spin bowler who can also contribute some important runs with the bat in the lower-middle order.
Speaking of his records in T20 cricket so far, Hasaranga has played 22 T20 internationals for the Sri Lankan cricket team. He has scored 192 runs at a strike rate of 110.98. With the ball, he has taken 33 wickets, with his best bowling figures being 4/9. Overall in T20 cricket, Wanindu has aggregated 762 runs and picked up 80 wickets in 60 T20 matches. He can be an asset for any IPL franchise. As per reports, four IPL franchises are in line to sign him as a replacement for the second phase of IPL 2021 in the United Arab Emirates. While the names of those four fra
While the names of those four franchises are not revealed yet, here’s a list of the possible four teams that could target Hasaranga.
1. Royal Challengers Bangalore can sign Wanindu Hasaranga as a replacement
The Royal Challengers Bangalore received a bad news ahead of IPL 2021’s resumption. The franchise’s star all-rounder Washington Sundar may miss the remaining matches because of injury. Now, RCB have an overseas spot vacant in their squad. Many fans would know that before IPL 2021 was suspended, Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson pulled out of the tournament.
No one has confirmed their availability for Phase 2 of IPL 2021 as of this writing. RCB had signed Scott Kuggeleijn as a replacement for Kane, but Zampa’s spot is still vacant. Hence, RCB can bring Wanindu Hasaranga in their squad. He can form a partnership with the experienced RCB spinner Yuzvendra Chahal in the team.
2. Rajasthan Royals
Rajasthan Royals are a team that are in dire need of replacements, especially for the overseas players. Their English trio of Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer and Jos Buttler is unlikely to play in the second phase of IPL 2021. Stokes is currently on a mental health break, while Archer is officially ruled out due to injury. Buttler has hinted that he might miss IPL 2021 Phase 2 because of his wife is expecting a child.
So, Rajasthan can go for Wanindu Hasaranga as a replacement option. Hasaranga can form a combination with Rahul Tewatia and Chris Morris in the all-rounders’ section. The conditions in the United Arab Emirates will help him as well. Hence, RR could be in line to sign Hasaranga.
3. Kolkata Knight Riders can sign Wanindu Hasaranga as a replacement
Initially, there was a question mark over the participation of English and Australian players in IPL 2021. However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have given the permission now. However, Kolkata Knight Riders pace bowler Pat Cummins will miss IPL 2021’s phase 2. The reason behind it is his wife is expecting a child soon, and he wants to be her.
So, the Knight Riders will need a replacement. They already have some good fast-bowling options in their squad. With Lockie Ferguson available, KKR might not go for a pace bowler as Cummins’ replacement. They can instead sign Wanindu Hasaranga and strengthen their spin attack because their spin bowlers did not perform their best in the first phase of IPL 2021.
4. Punjab Kings
All players of the Punjab Kings squad are likely to be available for the second phase of IPL 2021. However, in case any overseas player misses out, Punjab can target Wanindu Hasaranga as a replacement. Their overseas bowlers could not make much impact in the first phase of IPL 2021. Hence, they can add a wicket-taking option.
Hasaranga can join forces with Harpreet Brar and Ravi Bishnoi in the spin attack to trouble the opposition batsmen. While Punjab can benefit from the services of Hasaranga, it is very likely that either of the first three teams on this list will go for Hasaranga as a replacement.
