The leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga’s status has definitely risen as a result of the current limited-overs series between Sri Lanka and India. He has not only wowed the experts with his bowling variations, but he has also wowed the crowds with his outstanding batting. He was Sri Lanka’s finest player on the disastrous England trip, scoring runs with the bat and taking up wickets with his bowling.
In terms of the continuing series, his battling spirit has been praised by many. In two ODIs, he took three wickets, and in as many T20Is, he has taken the same amount of wickets. His batting abilities in the second T20I have also wowed many.
The battling spirit he has shown for Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in difficult circumstances is admirable, and it is obvious that this will help him get the much-coveted Indian Premier League (IPL) contract. If rumours are to be believed, Wanindu Hasaranga has been lined up as a replacement selection by as many as four IPL teams ahead of the second leg, which begins on September 19.
Many foreign players are expected to withdraw from the IPL second leg, with England cricketers unlikely to be available. This frees up a lot of spots, and Hasaranga, with his all-around abilities, emerges as a great alternative for the clubs.
Hasaranga, according to Muttiah Muralitharan, has a shot in the IPL.
Wanindu Hasranga has even pleased former Sri Lanka cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan. While the great cricketer is sure that the leggie would be chosen by an IPL club, he is concerned that he will not receive any playing time due to the limited number of overseas berths available.
“An IPL franchise should take him into consideration. However, if it’s a local player, the issue is that he walks into the side. However, if the player is from another country, you must determine which club wants a foreign spinner. It’s a difficult situation. They’ll acquire him [Hasaranga], but getting a franchise to play him will be difficult. “Some teams are more interested in Indian spinners than international spinners,” Murali told ESPNCricinfo.