Wanindu Hasaranga is one of the brightest cricketers in the international fold, at the moment. The youngster did well in the Sri Lankan Premier League and is now repeating his performances for his country. In this article, we take a look at the four teams that might target Wanindu Hasaranga in IPL 2022 Mega Auctions.
The 23-year-old is essentially a leg-spinner and a fine batsman in the lower order. When he is batting, he looks composed and also has a few big shots in his armoury. Hence, he would be a great fit in a tournament like IPL.
1. Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians has a good Sri Lankan connection, to begin with. Firstly, the team’s coach is Mahela Jayawardene, who is a Sri Lankan legend. Next up, MI had Lasith Malinga for a long time on their payroll, and it is this decision that helped them win a few trophies. Apart from these external factors, Mumbai anyway needs a spinner who offers something different from the current crop. Wanindu Hasaranga can be that option. Most importantly, he can bat at No.7, and this would give the team more alternatives. Therefore, Mumbai Indians must target Wanindu Hasaranga in IPL 2022 Mega Auctions.
2. Chennai Super Kings
Imran Tahir may not play in IPL 2022, and hence, CSK will be wanting a suitable foreign spinner who can replace the South African. CSK, as a franchise, likes multi-utility cricketers, and Wanindu is the best option at the moment. He would fit perfectly into this unit. CSK has had Sri Lankan spinners in the past too. The likes of Muttiah Muralitharan and Suraj Randiv were previously part of the yellow outfit. All of this could prompt CSK to bid for the cricketer at the auctions.
3. Punjab Kings
Punjab Kings surprisingly went for two uncapped spinners as the leaders of their spin-attack in IPL 2021. Fabian Allen was the foreign capped option that they had also got. However, the strategy needs to be more decisive for future editions. The franchisee must also remember that any bowler they buy must also bat a bit because their middle-order is weak. Considering the above factors, Wanindu Hasaranga seems to be a good option for them. He and Ravi Bishnoi can be part of a good spin attack, and the Sri Lankan could offer his batting services at No.7.
4. Kolkata Knight Riders
Sunil Narine and Shakib Al Hasan have been fine performers for KKR in the past. However, KKR might inevitably move one from these players after IPL 2021. They will look to build their spin attack around Varun CV. Since Narine is also a similar spinner, they might altogether not target the West Indian in the auctions. It is here that Wanindu Hasaranga seems to be a logical option for the KKR team. Hasaranga is a leg-spinner and would add variety to the spin attack. Most importantly, he can bat well and is a more solid and reliable option than Sunil Narine with the bat. The franchise anyways needs an injection of fresh air, and hence, they could target the Sri Lankan cricketer.
