It has been a while since Sri Lanka has made a mark in world cricket. After the retirement of the legends, the island nation struggled to walk through the transition period. At the moment, the team is struggling to even defeat the lower-ranked squads.
Nevertheless, with the introduction of LPL, things could change for the 1996 World Cup champions. Talent has got a fair platform for emergence, and global franchises would also have a keen eye on the tournament and the impressive performers. IPL teams would also focus on a few players in the competition.
With just a few months to go for IPL 2021, some players from LPL could get a chance to play in India. Based on their performances, here are five players who have a realistic chance of earning a bid at the auctions.
1. Danushka Gunathilaka
With an average above sixty, Gunathilaka was the best batsman in the tournament. The 29-year-old’s form was good as he accumulated close to 500 runs in around ten games. The left-handed batsman plays in the top-order, and can also be useful with his off-breaks. He is a naturally attacking player and has shots all around the park. Teams like CSK and KKR need options at the top, and with the kind of form that he is in, Gunathilaka can be a cheap and worthy option.
Teams That Could Be Interested: Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders
2. Wanindu Hasaranga
Wanindu Hasaranga has by far been one of the highlights in LPL. With consistent and match-winning performances, the 23-year-old has been in rock-solid form. He could well be one of the players to look out for in the upcoming IPL auctions. Although Wanindu is a middle-order batsman, he is more than useful with leg-spin. Both his economy and average are good as well. With the willow in hand, the player can strike some big hits and can also keep the momentum of the team in the batting order. Therefore, he can be a surprise at IPL next season.
Teams That Could Be Interested: Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians
3. Thisara Perera
Thisara Perera has been one of the most inconsistent players in the game. He has been for long in the Sri Lankan team, and still, the all-rounder is yet to establish himself as a big name. However, it wouldn’t be a bad idea if one of the IPL franchises invest some time and money in him. There is definite destructive potential in Thisara to emulate the likes of Kieron Pollard and Andre Russell. He is anyway doing well in LPL, and the confidence would be at a high. It is just that Thisara needs a run of games and some backing to do well.
Teams That Could Be Interested: Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals
4. Dasun Shanaka
Sri Lanka excels at producing fine all-rounders now and then. Dasun Shanaka is a part of this exciting list. Although he is almost thirty, Dasun can be actually a decent pick for the upcoming season. He is in good form, and considering his tall frame helps his bowling to be penetrative, the player can be a tactical advantage for teams. In IPL, a foreign all-rounder has to be compulsorily destructive with the bat, and if Dasun can manage that, an IPL contract could be on the table.
Teams That Could Be Interested: Delhi Capitals, Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals
5. Kusal Mendis
One of the bright members of the current Sri Lankan Team, 25-year-old Kusal Mendis could fancy a chance in IPL next season. A wicket-keeper by trade, Kusal has often staged some breathtaking performances for his country in recent years. He plays at the top of the order, and for many teams in IPL, Kusal’s attributes could fit very well. Add to this the fact that the player is an aggressive cricketer, Kusal Mendis can be a good option to have in IPL.
Teams That Could Be Interested: Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings
