4 IPL teams reportedly interested in Wanindu Hasaranga

Sri Lanka has emerged triumphant in the recently concluded T20I series against India. One of their primary reasons behind the victory was the contribution of the all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga. A complete utility player, he has caught the eyes of the franchises as a finisher who could bowl a full quota of four overs. 

Even when Sri Lanka played England on away soil, Hasaranga was that one ray of light amidst the darkness otherwise. He consistently proved his worth by picking wickets while also chipping in with some valuable runs. 

Against India, too, he has shown tremendous fighting spirit and grit while playing his game. Picked three wickets in two ODIs, and seven wickets in three T20Is. He played a handy knock with the bat in the second T20I to help Sri Lanka seal the deal and level the series.

All of these heroics seem to have come up at the right time for Wanindu, as he eyes his maiden IPL Contract for the remainder of the IPL 2021 that will be conducted in the UAE later this year, in September. As per reports, four franchises have lined him up as a replacement option. With England players probably unavailable for the second stint, it is also very much likely that many overseas players will pull out, too, in preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 that would follow.

Moreover, the Sri Lanka veteran spinner Muttiah Muralitharan strongly believes that Wanindu could be picked up by one of the teams after putting in some impressive performances. However, he has also raised concerns regarding the amount of game time Hasaranga would get if he is bought by one of the franchises. There are only four overseas slots available after all.

Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Murali quoted, “(Getting playing time) It’s a tricky thing. Some franchises look mostly at Indian spinners rather than foreign spinners.”